Pastor docked for alleged rape of epileptic minor in Owo

A self professed Pastor, Peter Alatake of Holy Ghost Mission Church Ehinogbe, Owo has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in the town for alleged brutal and rape of a 16 years old secondary school epileptic patient

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adekola Olawoye SAN was prosecuting the case on behalf of the State.

Alatake was however granted bail by Chief Magistrate Olubumi Dosumu in the sum of 500,000 naira 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 16 year old victim(names withheld) was said to have been put in care of Pastor Alatake last year to get healing from the epilepsy she had been battling with for some times.

However, the Pastor was alleged to have serially raped her between 15th and 20th of April 2020 which resulted to complications on girl’s private part and anus as confirmed by a medical report before he was arrested.

Alatake who is being arraigned before a chief magistrate court in Owo on a count charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor brought to his church for epileptic deliverance, commited an offense contrary to section 357 and punishable under section 358 of criminal laws of Ondo state.

While he pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him, the state attorney general and Commissioner for justice Adekola Olawoye announced the readiness of the state to take over the case.

Counsel to the suspect, Aderemi Adetula pleaded for his bail in view of the ongoing decongestion of prisons and promised to provide credible sureties to ensure his client is available for justice.

The attorney general did not opposed the bail application provided the suspect will not jump bail.

In her ruling, Magistrate, Olubunmi Dosumu granted him bail in the sum of 500,000 naira and two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must be a general overseer of a reputable church in Owo and a Director in the civil service with national identity card, evidence of one year tax clearance and landed property in the magisterial district

Both counsel expressed satisfaction with the ruling.

However, further hearing of the case was adjourned till 18th June, 2020 on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.