Police parade ‘deacon’ for defiling seven-year-old

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday paraded a 44-year-old man, Obinna Anike, for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old. Anike, who confessed to the crime, told newsmen that he had already condemned himself.

Anike, who hails from Udi, Enugu State, said the act was not for ritual purpose. “I have already condemned myself before anybody condemns me. I beg everyone who is aware of this case to forgive me. The parents of the children usually bring them to my house when they leave for work early in the morning because I am a radio technician who works near their house.

“The children attend the same school with my children. One day, I asked the girl to come close to me, when she came to me, I shifted her pants and tried to penetrate her, but it was difficult. So, I poured the sperm I already released outside.”

However, the victim, who is a minor, contradicted the suspect’s position. According to her: “The man lied. He is fond of calling me a ‘fine girl’. He did it severally. Last year before the Christmas celebration, Uncle Obinna called me into his room and warned me not to tell my parents whatever he was doing with me.

“He said he would kill me and my parents if I ever reveal it. He would constantly question me if I wanted my parents to die, but I would say no. He removed my pant and put his penis inside. It was too painful for him. He poured his saliva into my vagina and penetrated me. The man used to tell me to turn my back and he would use me through the back.”

The parents of the girl said the pastor in charge of the suspects’ church had been prevailing on them to withdraw the matter.