Church Worker Arrested for Allegedly Impregnating 14-year-old Girl

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A church worker, 31, who gave his name as James Rich, has been arrested for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl. The man, who described himself as a yardman, works in St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka, Anambra State where he also resides with his family.

The man was arrested by officials of the state Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with police operatives, for having canal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl.

According to a statement and a  video sent out by the media aide of the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Hon Ify Obinabo, Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, Rich lured the girl to the church toilet shortly before commencement of church service on Sunday, and had canal knowledge of her, after which he gave her N200 to buy herself something.

The statement issued by Ikeanyionwu stated that: “James Rich from Cross Rivers State but resident in Awka, Anambra State, is a yardman at the St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka.

“The suspect accepted to have defiled the 14 years old and impregnated her in the process. He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises, and that he had had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gave her the sum of N200 to buy biscuit.”

She state that the suspect disclosed that he is married with two children and expecting the third, adding: “He pleaded for pardon, stating that this is his first time of committing the crime and that it was a temptation.”

On her part, the 14-year-old victim stated that she always came for the 6:30 a.m. service, but she arrived very early, and on each occasion, the suspect usually takes her to the church toilet for sex before service commences.

She denied that she had ever been forced by Rich for sex.

Obinabo, who spoke through her Special Assistant, Mrs. Blessing Nweke, disclosed that the case will be charged to court immediately.