Rita Odafe
An incident involving a 16-year-old girl has come to light, where she has accused her stepfather, who is also a pastor named Femi, of impregnating her at the age of 13 and arranging for an ab0rtion at a hospital.
The victim has sought assistance from the World Institute for Peace (WIP), a Non-Governmental Organisation, to address the situation through an alternative dispute resolution process.
In a statement made under oath at the Osun State Ministry of Justice, the girl alleged that her stepfather impregnated her and subsequently terminated the pregnancy.
Speaking to representatives from the NGO, the victim shared that she confided in her school teacher after enduring years of abuse by her stepfather.
During a session organized by WIP for alternative dispute resolution, the girl disclosed that Femi initiated inappropriate acts with her when she was 12 years old and proceeded to impregnate her at 13, leading to an ab0rtion.
She mentioned, “He instructed me to falsely blame my classmate for the pregnancy and disappearance. The first incident happened on my mother’s bed, and the assaults continued regularly.”
Choosing not to pursue legal action, the victim expressed concerns regarding the impact on her younger siblings, born from her mother’s relationship with Femi.
During the resolution meeting, Femi, who identified himself as a pastor and a commercial motorcyclist, acknowledged his wrongdoing.
He admitted, “I did engage in inappropriate acts with her, although I cannot recall the frequency. As a pastor, I believe God sanctioned these actions and even instructed me to terminate the pregnancy.”
The affidavit, signed by the victim’s mother on her behalf, stated, “My daughter reported to the World Institute for Peace regarding the deplorable actions and ab0rtion attributed to Femi, her stepfather, in early August 2024.
“She has opted for an alternative dispute resolution approach to address the matter and has engaged in negotiations.
“The family has chosen not to proceed with any legal proceedings against Femi. This decision stems from a mutual agreement reached within the families, primarily led by the victim herself.”
Lamina Omotoyosi, the chairman of the NGO, emphasized the importance of safeguarding children, particularly against risks posed by close family members, highlighting a worrying rise in incest cases within the region.
