A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced 39-year-old Justice Aniele, to life imprisonment for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year-old-girl.
The accused who is a pastor with Assemblies of God Church, is said to have raped the 14 year old victim, an orphan under his care and got her pregnant, at Amaji community in Omuma local government area of Rivers state where he pastors, on 11 December, 2017.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Augusta Kingsley-Chuku, in her judgement delivery, found the accused guilty of the crime for taking advantage of the minor under his care and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her which resulted to pregnancy and the birth of a little baby boy that died during the court trial.
The Court held that the accused did not show any remorse or repentance for his actions, by attempting to abort the pregnancy more than once and for threatening to kill the victim should she reveal the truth to anyone.
Justice Kingsley-Chuku thereby convicted the accused Justice to life imprisonment under section 32, sub 2 of Rivers State Child Right Law of 2009.
In an interview with our correspondent, State Prosecution Counsel, Lilian Franklin, said justice has been served for the victim and for the state, as it will serve as deterrent to others who delight in abusing children.
“The police concluded Investigation and the case file was sent to the ministry of justice. When trial of the matter commenced, there were several witnesses and evidence including the hospital where the accused took the girl for the failed abortion. The victim actually gave birth to a baby that died later on, but today justice has finally been served.
“We are glad that the judgement will serve as a deterrent to others that would want to molest children under their care, abuse them and not allowing them to grow normally as children they are. Rape is an offence we are taking seriously, anyone caught will face the law.”
Also, Counsel representing FIDA, Chisom Anyalebechi, expressed happiness that the accused was convicted for the crime, while urging people who are prosecuting such cases to be diligent and ensure justice is gotten.
“We are so grateful and happy for this judgment, because so many people are getting away with this crime, the victims and their families are sometimes complacent, they settle out of court, sometimes they say let God judge and the victim is suffering while the Defendant keeps on committing same crime.
“There should be an end to all these crimes by prosecuting the matter diligently in ensuring justice is served.”
