A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has sentenced a self-acclaimed Pastor, Stephen Kalu, to life imprisonment on a two-count charge of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.
Justice Peter Kekemeke gave the judgment two years after one Blessing Orji who resides in Karshi, a suburb of Nasarawa/ FCT was allegedly raped.
The low conviction rate, unwillingness to report rape cases, and diligent prosecution have been the bane of rape cases in Nigeria while the offender will go free and continue in the act.
But the 29-year-old pastor Kalu who resides at By-pass, Opposite Calabar Kitchen, Karshi, Abuja, where he harbors his victims was not that lucky as the law caught up with him and he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In 2018, as the story goes, Kalu who has been a church member to the family of his victim, Blessing Orji took advantage of the Karshi market day and went to Blessing’s house when she was alone to sexually molest her.
The victim who was 17 years old at the time of the incident eventually got pregnant and bore a baby girl. Her uncle felt cheated and sought redress from the relevant authorities.
After several adjournments, the trial judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, found Kalu wanting and held that he did engage in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor contrary to section 31 subsection (2) of the Child Right Act, 2003.
Moreover, there was penetration which needs no further medical proof.
The victim’s guardian while narrating the family’s ordeal observed that his niece’s case is the third victim of Kalus sexual abuse of minors.
The incident of Blessing’s rape case establishes the fact that justice may be delayed but not denied if victims and family members persevere in the truth.