In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the nation, four 17-year-old boys have been remanded by Nigeria’s Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for their alleged involvement in the rape of a 16-year-old girl inside a church’s toilet during an all-night service.
To make matters worse, the perpetrators shamelessly shared video footage of the heinous act on popular social media platforms, TikTok and WhatsApp.
The court adjourned the case until August 2, 2023, pending advice from the Ogun State’s Director of Public Prosecution. Until then, the teenagers will remain in the custody of the Borstal Correctional Center at Adigbe, Abeokuta Ogun.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the suspects, all students, hail from Ikosi Ketu, Lagos State, and live with their parents. They are facing charges of conspiracy, rape, and cyberbullying, crimes that carry severe penalties under Nigerian law.
ASP Raji Akeem, the prosecutor, revealed that the horrifying incident took place on June 3, during a vigil at the Celestial Church of Christ in Ikosi Ketu, Lagos. Three of the boys allegedly assaulted the helpless victim, while the fourth shamefully recorded the act.
The charges against the perpetrators contravene Sections 150, 210, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The severity of the charges underscores the gravity of their actions and the need for justice to be served.
In a related incident, authorities have launched an investigation into another appalling case of defilement and impregnation of a 15-year-old girl by a pastor.
The victim’s in-law, Amesi ThankGod, filed a complaint with Nigeria’s Rivers State Police Command, leading to the arrest of the pastor of the Gracious Covenant Church, known only as Pillar.
The heart-wrenching aspect of this case is that the pastor allegedly coerced the girl’s parents into aborting the pregnancy after exploiting her vulnerability and trust as a member of his church.
