Magistrate Court remands self-acclaimed cleric for repeatedly raping 12-year-old girl under his care
A Chief Magistrate Court in Owerri, Imo State, has remanded a self-acclaimed cleric, Emeka Michael, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl who was staying at his house during the holidays.
Presided over by Magistrate Obinna Njemanze, the court refused bail and invoked Section 89 (b) of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2020 to entertain the defence counsel’s oral bail application.
Counsel for the State, Nkechi Iwuoha, vehemently opposed the bail application, citing the heinous nature of the offence and the lack of compelling reasons or special circumstances presented by the defence.
The court, in a ruling, rejected the bail application and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Correctional Center in Owerri. The case has been adjourned to October 5, 2023, pending the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
READ ALSO: Court sentences man to 25 years imprisonment for drugging, raping 13-year-old girl for 2 months
Representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Imo State Branch, were Vice Chairperson Mrs Phil Amaefule, Secretary Mrs Chinyere Iwunna, and Financial Secretary Mrs Nancy Nwabia.
The organization has taken a proactive role in seeking justice for the victim, who, along with her six-year-old brother, hails from Anambra State and was on holiday at the accused’s house in Naze, Owerri North LGA of Imo State.
The young girl managed to escape from the accused’s house after enduring the harrowing sexual abuse and was rescued by a concerned citizen who reported the incident through an Owerri-based radio station.
FIDA Imo Chairperson Joy Nwosu-Azuama was made aware of the girl’s distressing situation and immediately mobilized her proactive EXCO members to ensure justice is served for the innocent victim.
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