Catholic Priest Remanded in Anambra State for Alleged Rape and Abduction of Teenager

Rev. Father Nwaigwe Stephen, a Catholic Priest in Anambra State, has been remanded in custody by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court for allegedly raping and impregnating a teenager. The priest is also accused of forcibly relocating the pregnant minor to Benin City, Edo State, where she gave birth to a baby whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The magistrate presiding over the case ordered the remand of Father Nwaigwe until December 6, 2023, and directed the prosecutor to transmit the original case file to the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State.

The charges against the priest, including sexual intercourse with a minor, fall under section 34(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.

During the court proceedings on Monday, November 20, 2023, the victim revealed that she was taken from her parents’ care at the age of 14 by the priest, who promised to sponsor her education while she served as his cook. She recounted enduring sexual abuse until becoming pregnant at 17.

The victim further disclosed that when she informed the priest about her pregnancy, he transported her to Benin City, introducing her to a man and woman as his brother and brother’s wife. Tragically, she claimed to have been told that her baby died during childbirth, with subsequent efforts to view the deceased infant being thwarted.

As witnesses were bound over to appear before the High Court, the defense counsel applied for bail, citing legal provisions. The defense assured the court that the priest would not evade justice if granted bail.

However, the police prosecutor opposed bail, emphasizing the severity of the alleged offense against a minor under the defendant’s spiritual guardianship.

Chief Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe, ruling on the bail application, expressed concern about the increasing incidence of rape against minors. She cited previous cases and emphasized the court’s commitment to upholding justice.

The case has been adjourned to December 6, 2023, as the legal proceedings unfold in this distressing saga of alleged abuse within the clergy.