26/11/2023
A Catholic priest in Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Nwaigwe Stephen, has been arrested on allegations of ra**ng and impregnating a 17-year-old girl. The incident took place at St. Albert The Great Catholic Church Parish in Obosi, where the priest met the teenager during a religious program.
During the remand proceedings on November 20, 2023, the victim revealed that the priest had taken her from her parents' home when she was 14 years old, promising to sponsor her education and providing her with shelter. However, shortly after she moved in with him, he began s*xually abusing her. The abuse continued until she became pregnant at the age of 17.
The court heard that the priest then took the pregnant minor to Benin City, Edo State, where she gave birth. However, the whereabouts of the baby remain unknown.
The priest, who was expelled by the Two Hearts of Love Congregation in Orlu, Imo State in 2018 for alleged misconduct, has been remanded in prison until December 6, 2023. The magistrate has ordered the prosecutor to forward the case file to the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State.
The offence of having s*xual in*******se with a minor is punishable under section 34(2) of the Child's Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.
During the bail hearing, the defence counsel requested bail for the defendant, citing relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, 2022, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. The police prosecutor, however, argued against bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve Osakwe, denied bail, considering the gravity of the offence. She stressed that cases of r**e against minors were becoming increasingly prevalent and that the court would not tolerate such actions.
The case has been adjourned until December 6, 2023.