Reverend Father In Kaduna Remanded In Custody For Raping 16-Year-Old Maid

A Reverend father in Kaduna, Joseph Ma’aji, who was accused of sexually molesting his 16-year-old household has been remanded in custody by a Chief Magistrate Court in the state.

Reverend Ma’aji is being detained by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) after the Chief Magistrate, Bashir Shittu, ordered that he should remain in custody pending advice from the office of the State Director of Public Prosecution.

The Magistrate stated that the court lacked the power to try the accused who was arraigned for rape and the case was adjourned to August 22, 2020, for further mention.

“However, the law said one should be taken to the nearest court, that is why you are brought here pending when the police will conclude their investigations and send the case file to lawyers in the ministry of justice.

The lawyers in the ministry of justice would go through the fact of the case as contained in the case file, if they find sufficient evidence, they will charge you to High Court.

We would also transfer you to the High Court for trial to begin, on the contrary, if no evidence is found, you will be discharged and the case be terminated”, the chief magistrate said.

Reverend Ma’aji’s case had been earlier reported by the Social Welfare Office in Kakuri, Kaduna, disclosing the alleged sexual harassment and act of gross indecency on the part of the clergyman.

NSCDC Legal Officer prosecuting the case, Yayayi Jauro, said that the cleric was reported to have been having sexual intercourse with on several occasions with his underaged maid who was entrusted to him by her uncle at his house in Barnawa, Kaduna.

According to the report, the act has been going on since 2015, and Jauro added that the Reverend had been molesting the girl and requesting sexual favors unjustifiably.

He said the cleric had confessed to committing the crime during investigations.

“Medical reports from Gwamna Awan Hospital here in Kaduna had also confirmed commission of the alleged offense”, Jauro stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a non-governmental organization, Bridge That Gap Initiative, has reported the case to the State Ministry for Human Services and Social Development, requesting that the matter be monitored closely.