A 65-year-old pastor, identified as Mr Francis Ogwu, has been nabbed for alleged sexual assault on his seven-year-old domestic help in Awka, Anambra State.
The suspect, a native of Imo State, was arrested after concerned residents raised alarm about his activities.
Ogwu, the General Overseer of a church known as Jesus House of Joy, Awka, is accused of raping the minor three times.
Narrating her experience, the seven-year-old victim told the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, that the suspect rapes her and then gives her money.
“He usually gives me money, from N500 to N1000, after each experience.
“Sometimes, his wife accuses me of snatching her husband from her.
“What prompted my leaving the house was the repeated beating I received from the daughter over irrelevant issues.” She revealed.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, a native of Awka, who explained that she has handed the daughter over to the Ogwu family because of the long-standing relationship they had enjoyed, however expressed shock over the ugly incident.
She noted further: “I quickly invited the Oga to my house. But when he came, he denied the allegations, which made me to raise the alarm that attracted other persons.”
During interrogation, the suspect denied allegations of penetration as claimed by the victim.
“I just fingered the girl once.” He said.
Asked reasons behind his action, the suspect said, ” I was tempted because my wife usually gives excuses that she’s fasting whenever I want to have quality time with her.”
On her part, the Commissioner vowed to ensure the victim got justice.
She, however, advised women to always be vigilant and stop starving their husbands of sex. She further charged women to always protect their children at all costs.
The suspect’s family begged the Commissioner’s office for pardon but the matter was reported to the police.
