Two pastors have been arrested by the Ricers State Police Command for allegedly raping a 27-year old female member of the National Youths Service Corps.
The corps member (names withheld) who is posted to the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state to serve her fatherland was allegedly raped during a birthday party of one of the culprits
The pastors identified as Austin Emmanuel and Peter Davies, are currently detained at the State Criminal and Investigation and Intelligence Department, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Pastor Emmanuel had reportedly invited the victim for an indoor birthday party at his house and was later joined by Davies in the course of the celebration.
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They both offered to pray for the victim at some point in the party and in the middle of the prayer, sprayed an unknown liquid on her face, making her loss consciousness.
According to the victim, she experienced pains in her private parts immediately she regained her consciousness.
“Actually, it was after I regained consciousness that I was feeling pain in my vagina. I told my mum and she reported to the police and they said that they should take me to doctors without borders for checkup. I found out that I was fingered according to the report and saw bruises seen all over my body,” she told news men.
Parents of the victim, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bonko have charged the Rivers State Police Command to not allow the suspects go unpunished in order to serve as a deterrent to other rapists.
Mr. Bonko revealed he had approached the International Federation of Women Lawyers in the state to ensure the proper prosecution of the case.
“When I saw her, she was not in her senses. I started asking questions. Then they told me that they have arrested the suspects. I saw the suspects and they told me what happened.
“We took her to a psychiatric hospital. They tested her and did everything. Wherever we went, the NYSC followed us on the matter. An NYSC official reported the issue to the headquarters. If we allow this matter to die, they will do the same thing to other female corps members. That is why I decided to come to FIDA,” he explained.
Confirming the the matter, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, said the matter was under investigation.
“Yes, we refer to this issue, but the matter has not reached my desk. I believe it is still under investigation,” Mukan stated.
