A 65-year-old pastor, Francis Ogwu, has been arrested for allegedly defiling his 7-year-old domestic help in Awka, Anambra State.
The victim, who is the daughter of a family friend, was living with the pastor and his family.
She alleged that the pastor had raped her three times and would give her money ranging from N500 to N1000 after each incident.
The victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, had entrusted her daughter to the Ogwu family due to their long-standing relationship, but was shocked when her daughter returned to her and reported the abuse.
During interrogation, the pastor denied allegations of penetration but admitted to fondling the girl once, blaming his wife for his actions, claiming she often rejected his sexual advances, citing fasting as an excuse.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, has vowed to ensure the victim receives justice and urged women to be vigilant and protect their children.
Narrating her ordeal, 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.
She said: “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.”
The victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, a native of Awka, said she handed the daughter over to the Ogwu family because of the long-standing relationship they had enjoyed. She however said she was shocked when her daughter returned to her to report the ugly incident.
She said: “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.
He said: “I just fingered the girl once.”
General overseer, 65, arrested for raping 7-year-old maid blames his wife for his actions
Asked why he defiled the girl, 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.”
Reacting, the Commissioner vowed to ensure the victim got justice.
The suspect’s family begged the Commissioner’s office for pardon but the matter was reported to the police.
