A 29-year-old pastor has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court, Nyanya, for raping a 17- year-old girl.
A pastor of the Adoration Ministry, Abuja in Nigeria, Stephen Kalu who is the convict was brought before the court by the police for a rape case on October 16, 2019.
Reports indicate that the convict had a sexual act with the teenager on October 28, 2018 at his housing in Abuja, without her agreement. As far as it opposes the right of the child and also goes against the Child’s right, section 31 (1) of the Child’s Rights Act he can’t go unpunished. Hence the act was punishable under 31 (2) of the same Act.
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While pronouncing judgment, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that the prosecuting counsel, Donatus Abah had proved his case beyond a reasonable able doubt. The judge also added that the defendant admitted what he has done. This raping the girl several times, resulting in a pregnancy and even the birth of a child.
The judge clarified that although the defendant (Pastor Stephen Kalu) has promised to marry girls, but the court does not y that. So far as the offense has been committed, the law must take its course. He ruled that count two was not relevant and sentenced the defendant on count one, which contravened section 31 (1)of the Child’s Right Act.
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”The defendant is found guilty on count one and accordingly convicted,” the judge ruled.
In sentencing the defendant, Mr. Kekemeke said, ”Our society, especially this division of the court, has seen several cases of rape. It is a pathetic situation. The system must be expunged of rapists. Our children need protection from our courts.”
”The law is already there. The same defendant committed a similar offense of rape while on bail during the period of this case. He is a danger to our children. I have no choice; the defendant is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”
