By Chinenye Festus:-
One pastor Joseph Anthony of the Living Faith Church,( Winners Chapel) in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State was alleged to have raped an 11-year-old daughter of his fellow pastor
Favour Chikaima.
The pastor was paraded alongside other suspected armed robbers in Owerri by the Police. The pastor who flared up because of the accusation levelled against him said he never raped the girl but was “tempted to touch.” and that he wouldn’t think of committing such crime because he is a pastor.
“Let me tell you this, it is the father and the mother of the girl that took me to their house to stay with them even when I did not want to stay with them. They are accusing me for nothing.” The pastor was quoted saying while talking to newsmen.
But according to police report “On 13/07/2020, one Pastor Joseph Anthony ‘m’ of Living Faith Church of Njaba was arrested for the defilement of one Favour Chikanma age 11yrs; the daughter of his fellow pastor, one Pastor Chukwuma Okoronkwo.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the said Pastor Chukwuma Okoronkwo accommodated Pastor Joseph Anthony in their house.
”Asked by the Police if he ever touched the girl at any time, he said: ” I was tempted to touch but I did not do it. I am a pastor. I cannot do it I know what is right and wrong. Take this from me I never touched the girl that is the truth.”
“The said Pastor Joseph Anthony took advantage of the fact that he was at home alone with the victim and had canal knowledge of her. Investigation is at an advanced stage. He will be charged to court accordingly if found guilty of the crime.