by Rachel Ogbu

A pastor in Jos was charged on Monday for raping a 10-year-old girl.

Baba-Yemisi Seyi, 44, appeared before Mustapha Hassan in an Upper Area Court in Jos on a one-count charge of raping the girl, a neighbour who had gone to his room at Mugambus Street, Gwandang in Bukuru for a children “fellowship” programme.

Police First Information Report (FIR) reveals that it all happened on April 10, at about 4.00 p.m., by 7.30 p.m. the same day, a woman named Grace Ifeanyi reported the crime at the “B“ Division police station, Bukuru.

In court, police prosecutor, Ahmed Moyolope, opposed to the bail request from Seyi because the case was still under investigation.

“My Lord, I am applying for a new date to enable me conclude investigation on the matter and also obtain a medical report from the hospital where the victim was treated.

“We are objecting to the bail application by the accused as he may tamper with police investigation if his application is granted,” Moyolope said.

According to agency reports, the pastor pleaded not guilty to the charge claiming the allegation against him was baseless, Hassan however ordered the accused to be remanded in prison, and adjourned the case to May 10, for further mention.