The Assemblies of God clergyman Rev. Chukwuwemeka Orji, who raped his 13-year-old domestic helper, was refused bail and is currently being held at the Aba Correctional Center while authorities do their investigation.
AgnesIsika Blog had previously reported that the suspect had allegedly had carnal knowledge of the girl since she was 13 years old. He allegedly took the victim from her family members on the pretence that he would pay for her schooling.
When the matter was summoned again on Friday, July 7, 2023, Orji, who was initially arrested before the Magistrate Court 1 in Abia South LGA of Abia State on June 20, 2023, was denied bail.
The victim’s father, Mr Wogu Nwamuo, told the court that she had been whisked away by her older brother, who resides in Abuja, and that was why she wasn’t present even though his name and the one the daughter gave did not match.
Mr Nwanmuo responded in Igbo when questioned why he was in court alone with the child, “achoghi m nsogbu, achoro ka emechie ihe n’ile.” (‘I want the case to be resolved; I don’t want problems.’)
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Mr. Wogu was reprimanded by the magistrate who said that men like him are the reason for the rising rate of sexual crimes against minors in the society while adamantly stating that justice would be served. The magistrate was enraged by Mr Wogu’s response, his lack of understanding of the potential psychological trauma it could cause the survivor and his insensibility.
However, the judge rejected the defence attorney’s request for bail on the grounds that rape is a crime for which bail may be granted and that an individual charged with a crime who has not yet entered a plea is deemed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Because of the seriousness of the crime and the alleged drama surrounding the case, the suspect is not being granted bail, according to Magistrate Jane Uloma Young-Daniel.
A new date of July 18, 2023, was set for the case.
