A Chief Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the remand of Pastor Piller Erekwa, the leader of a new generation church, in the maximum security custodial center in the capital city of Rivers State. The pastor stands accused of defiling a minor, which led to his arraignment by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Rivers State Police Command. He pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of sexual abuse.
According to the charge, Pastor Piller Erekwa admitted to sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Mgbuola village, Ndele, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State between December 2022 and January 2023, thereby committing an offense punishable under the laws of Rivers State.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ogeh Elkanah at the Rivers State family court, adjourned the case to July 19, 2023, for the presentation of facts and sentencing after remanding the suspect.
It is worth noting that Pastor Erekwa, who serves as the presiding pastor of the Glorious Covenant Church, was apprehended by the Rumuji Police Division in Ndele last Thursday. Subsequently, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.
The trial Magistrate, Ogeh Elkanah, adjourned the case to July 19, 2023, for the presentation of facts and sentencing, while the suspect remains in custody.
Pastor Erekwa has been accused of defiling and impregnating the teenage girl, who also happens to be a member of his church. He allegedly suggested terminating the pregnancy, but the girl’s family objected to it when confronted with the issue.
In the meantime, a group called the Centre for Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign has commended the Police for arraigning the suspect in court. The National Coordinator of the group, Prince Wiro, also praised the rape survivor’s family for refusing to entertain requests for an out-of-court settlement.
Source: PUNCH
