A man identified as Peter Alateke has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Owo, Ondo State, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl.
The defendant, who is said to be a pastor, was said to be taking care of the secondary school pupil, who is suffering from epilepsy, in his church located at Ehinogbe, Owo, but he was said to have raped the teenager, who allegedly developed complications in her private parts and anus.
Alateke was arraigned on one count of having an unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Kola Olawoye, informed the court that the state was ready to take over the case.
The counsel for the defendant, Mr. Remi Adetula, urged the court to grant the defendant bail as he would always be available whenever he was needed.
Ruling on the application, Chief Magistrate Olubunmi Dosumu, admitted Alateke to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must be a general overseer of a reputable church in Owo and a director in the civil service.
The case was adjourned till June 18, 2020, for further hearing.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Olawoye said the government had interest in the case because of the gravity of the alleged offence.
