The offences were committed between June 2023 and February 2024 timeframe. The victim was fifteen years old during the entire period of abuse.
The girl testified in court at age sixteen during June 2024. She identified the accused as her cousin and pastor at her church.
The pastor invited her to fast and pray for spiritual cleansing. He told her that his wife would join them at his home.
The pastor later defiled her at his home without her consent. He threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Victim Discovered Pregnancy Several Months After Second Assault by Church Pastor
About two weeks after the first incident, the pastor lured her again. He claimed that more prayers would prevent her from marrying a non-Christian.
She was defiled for a second time during these prayer sessions. Several months later, she discovered that she was pregnant from these assaults.
Her mother reported the matter to police after learning of pregnancy. The girl was taken to hospital where her pregnancy was confirmed medically.
A government analyst presented DNA evidence showing paternity probability of ninety-nine point nine. The evidence proved with near certainty that the pastor fathered the child.
Defence Dismissed as Baseless After Accused Changed Story Multiple Times During Trial
The accused initially denied the offence completely during his defence testimony. He later admitted having sexual intercourse with the minor in court proceedings.
He claimed that he had been coerced and did not know her age. The magistrate dismissed this defence as baseless and a clear afterthought.
The magistrate found the accused guilty on the principal charge of defilement. The court sentenced him to serve thirty years in prison for the crime.
The convict was directed to exercise his right of appeal completely. He has fourteen days to file an appeal against conviction and sentence.
