A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 34-year-old pastor, Kelvin Imo, at the Correctional Centre, Makurdi, for allegedly raping a church member.
Imo, who resides at No. 5, Gboko Road, Makurdi, was charged with rape.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Kevin Mbanongun, did not take his plea, citing lack of jurisdiction, and adjourned the case until Oct. 8 for further mention.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Friday Kanshio, told the court that the case was received at the State CID, Makurdi, on Sept. 2, following a petition written by the victim against the pastor.
Kanshio said the complainant stated that she visited a Living Faith Church branch opposite Coca-Cola Camp, Km 5 Gboko Road, Makurdi, on April 22, to see the accused for prayer and counselling.
She alleged that after praying for her, the pastor wiped her face with a handkerchief, after which she lost strength. She further claimed that he overpowered her and had carnal knowledge of her inside the church without her consent.
The prosecutor said the pastor was arrested following police investigations into the matter, adding that the offence contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004.
(NAN)