A 23-year-old pastor identified as Kingsley Ihunda has been arraigned by
a Port Harcourt chief magistrates’ court for allegedly infecting a
pregnant woman, Ejiro Abua with HIV.
The incident happened at the Ada-George area of Diobu, Port Harcourt Local Government of Rivers State.
The
woman, a mother of one, narrated that she had lost two pregnancies, and
was directed to the pastor by one Treasure Victor, 40, a female
herbalist, for special prayers.
As she alleged in the court, it
was during the process of deliverance that the pastor Ihunda infected
her with HIV following a ‘holy bite’
The woman told the court that she also lost the pregnancy.
She
also told the court that she consulted the herbalist for assistance to
stop the hotness of her womb, which she suspected to be the cause of her
miscarriages, but instead of helping her, she directed her to Pastor
Ihunda, whom she said worked with her.
She explained that the pastor allegedly asked her to pay N1,500 for olive oil for prayer.
According
to her, “When I objected to paying the money, he told me that if I
refused to pay, my husband and child would die. The woman (herbalist),
supported him and encouraged me to pay the money.
“She said she
had brought other expectant mothers, who had the same problem, to the
pastor, and after payment and prayers, their problems were solved.
“When
I heard this, I decided to pay and come for prayers. During prayers, he
asked me to raise my clothes, I refused, but the herbalist encouraged
me to comply.
“He rubbed oil on my waist, bit me, sucked my blood
and spat it out, claiming that was the cause of my problem and it had
been solved.”
The woman further alleged that she tested positive
for HIV few months later but her husband tested negative, adding that it
was discovered the pastor infected her.
The pastor and the herbalist were charged with conspiracy, assault and pretence.
The
Police prosecutor, Jonas Rufus, told the court that the crime was
committed on July 27 at Ada George, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
According
to him, the offences breached sections 516(A), 351, 335 and 343(g) of
the Criminal Code Cap 37 Volume II Laws of Rivers State Nigeria 1999.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail.
The matter was adjourned till Sept. 29 for hearing.
Source: Dailypost.ng
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