There was shock in Ifite Awka, Anambra State as a 31-year-old church worker, James Rich, impregnates a 14-year-old girl.
The suspect, who carried out the act in the toilet of the St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, in the area has been arrested by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with police operatives.
Rich, a yardman in the church resides in Ifite with his family.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide of the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Hon Ify Obinabo, disclosed that on the day the atrocity was committed, the suspect lured the teenage girl to the church toilet and had canal knowledge of her, after which he gave her N200 to buy her self something.
The release by Ikeanyionwu stated that, “James Rich from Cross River State, but resident in Awka, Anambra State, is a yardman at St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka.
“The suspect accepted to have defiled the 14-year-old and impregnated her in the process. He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises, and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gives her the sum of N200 to buy biscuit.”
She stated that the suspect disclosed that he was married with two children and expecting the third and that he lives in the church premises where he carries out his daily activities taking care of the church compound.
“He pleaded for pardon stating that this is his first time of committing the crime and that it was temptation that made him do so.”
On her part, the victim stated that she always comes for the 6:30 am service, but she arrives very early, and on each occasion, the suspect takes her to the church toilet for sex before service commences.
She denied that she had ever been forced by Rich for sex.
Reacting to the incident, Obinabo, who spoke through her Special Assistant, Mrs Blessing Nweke, disclosed that the case will be charged to court immediately to get justice for the girl.