Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a 31-year-old married church worker, identified as James Rich, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl.
The father of two works in St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka, Anambra State.
It was gathered that he lured the teenage girl to the church toilet shortly before the commencement of church service and had canal knowledge of her, after which he gave her N200 to buy herself something.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide of the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Ify Obinabo, in a statement, said: “James Rich from Cross River State, but resident in Awka, Anambra State, is a yardman at St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka.
Speaking through her Special Assistant, Blessing Nweke, the commissioner disclosed that the matter was reported to her through the victim’s guardian.
She said the suspect was apprehended after the victim was certified pregnant, adding that the case would soon be charged to get justice for the victim.
She warned adults to stop defiling young girls, especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison as the state frowned at such acts.
READ ALSO: Friday gov judgment: Kano govt calls for calm
The suspect accepted he defiled the 14-year-old and impregnated her in the process.
He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gives her the sum of N200 to buy biscuits.
The suspect who is married with two children and expecting the third, lives in the church premises where he carries out his daily activity.
He pleaded for pardon stating that this was his first time committing the crime and that it was a temptation that made him do so.
He said: “I usually sleep with her every Sunday morning at the toilet in the church premises. But I had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after giving her N200 to buy a biscuit.
“I plead for pardon. This is the first time I’m committing the crime and it’s a temptation that made me do so.”
On her part, the 14-year-old victim who has developmental challenges added that the suspect usually defiles her early every Sunday morning before the 6:30 am service starts.
