A Magistrate’s Court in Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered the remand of a 34-year-old pastor, Kelvin Imo, at the Makurdi Correctional Centre over the alleged rape of a female church member during a prayer session.
Imo, who resides at No. 5, Gboko Road, Makurdi, was accused of violating the woman inside a branch of Living Faith Church located opposite Coca-Cola Camp, Gboko Road, after allegedly incapacitating her during a prayer session on April 22.
The prosecutor, Inspector Friday Kanshio, told the court that the matter was reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) through a petition filed by the victim on September 2.
According to the petition, the complainant said she had visited the church for counselling and prayer with the accused when he allegedly prayed for her, wiped her face with a handkerchief, and caused her to lose strength.
She claimed that the pastor took advantage of her helpless state to forcefully have carnal knowledge of her without her consent.
Kanshio added that police investigations led to the arrest of the pastor, and the offence contravenes Section 284 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State, 2004.
Chief Magistrate Kevin Mbanongun, however, declined to take the accused’s plea, citing lack of jurisdiction.
He ordered that Imo be remanded at the correctional facility and adjourned the case till October 8 for further mention.
The development has sparked outrage among residents, with calls for justice and stricter measures against sexual offences, especially when committed by religious leaders entrusted with spiritual guidance.
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