The founder and general overseer of Day Spring Family Chapel, Egbeda area, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Pastor Isaiah Ojo who was accused of defiling a 7-year-old girl, Bidemi, in his church, has been remanded in prison custody.
The 62-year-old pastor was arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday on a one-count charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Ibrahim, said the offence was committed on May 10 at about 7 p.m. at the church premises.
Ibrahim said, “the offence took place inside the church while Akinojo sent the girl’s junior brother on errand to go and buy something.”
He said that the victim usually return to the church everyday after school before their father would take them home in the evening.
Ibrahim said the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
DAILY POST recalls that the cleric allegedly took Bidemi, his friend and fellow pastor’s daughter to the alter of the church, allegedly laid her therein and had carnal knowledge of her. Bidemi was said to be playing in the church premises with her younger brother when the pastor allegedly ‘cornered’ her.
Ojo who was arrested on May 13, had confessed saying, “On Monday May 9, I was in my church premises when she came with her brother. The girl went to lay on the rug on the altar and told her brother that her private part was itching. They used to play on the rug before then.
“I went near them to ask what was wrong with her. I had to use my hand to help her scratch her private part.
“After that, I moved nearer, I could not do anything with her; I did not insert my penis in her vagina.
“What happened next was that I brought my penis out but I could not penetrate her because her vagina was tight.
“My intention was to touch her, not to damage her. When I saw that her vagina was very tight, I withdrew my penis and left.
“There was no blood at that time. I don’t know how blood came out of her,” the pastor reportedly stammered.
When asked when last he had sex with his wife, he said six months ago, adding that it was for health reasons.
He, however, denied having sex with the girl for ritual purpose as alleged, saying she was young enough to be his granddaughter.
Following his arraignment in court, the Chief Magistrate, Alhaja Modinat Akanni, remanded the accused at Agodi prison pending the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP. The accused pleaded not guilty.
Akanni, adjourned the case till July 15, for further hearing.
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