A 16-year-old girl from Osogbo, Osun State, has accused her stepfather, a pastor, of sexually abusing her since she was 12 years old and getting her pregnant when she was 13.
The victim, who has chosen to seek alternative dispute resolution, reported the issue to the World Institute for Peace (WIP), a non-governmental organization. In an affidavit sworn at the Osun State Ministry of Justice, the girl claimed that after her stepfather impregnated her, the pregnancy was aborted.
During a meeting with WIP officials, the victim said the abuse went on for about four years before she finally reported it to a teacher at her school.
At an alternative dispute resolution meeting organized by WIP, the victim explained that her stepfather, identified only as Femi, started having sexual intercourse with her when she was 12 years old. She stated that when she was 13, she became pregnant, and Femi took her to a hospital for an abortion, instructing her to lie and say a classmate had impregnated her.
Femi, who claimed to be a commercial motorcyclist and the pastor of a church he established, admitted to the crime at the meeting. “It is true I slept with her although I don’t remember the number of times I did it with her. I’m a pastor and it was God who told me to sleep with her. God also told me to abort the pregnancy,” he said.
The victim’s mother, who submitted the affidavit on her daughter’s behalf, stated that the family has decided not to pursue the case any further, as they have reached a settlement with Femi.
The chairman of WIP, Lamina Omotoyosi, urged parents to ensure the safety of their children, especially from close family members and relatives, as cases of incest appear to be increasing in the state.
