A 55-year-old pastor and principal, Adetunji Obatayo, has been remanded in a correctional center in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with a 14-year-old student and procuring an abortion for her.

Obatayo, who is a pastor at Deeper Life Bible Church and the principal of a school in Oka Akoko, was charged with three counts of defilement, unlawfully prescribing drugs to procure an abortion, and killing an unborn child.

According to the police prosecutor, Folashade Adesuyi, the defendant allegedly forcefully had carnal knowledge of the victim in February 2020 at Epinmi-Akoko, Akoko South-East LGA. The offenses contravene Sections 218, 230, and 328 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

In her testimony before the court, the victim recounted how she was placed under the guardianship of Pastor Obatayo by her parents when she was just 10 years old. She narrated how the defendant allegedly took advantage of her trust and committed the heinous acts.

"I was left in his care by my parents when I was just 10 years old," the victim said. "He took advantage of my trust and did things to me that I couldn't understand."

The defendant's actions were exposed after the victim confessed to the authorities, leading to his arrest. Obatayo's case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the care of trusted individuals.

The court has remanded Obatayo in the correctional center pending further investigation and trial. If convicted, he faces severe penalties under the Criminal Laws of Ondo State.