A Pentecostal church pastor has found himself in serious trouble after allegedly infecting a pregnant mother with HIV.
A woman relaxing on the balcony (File photo)
A 23-year-old pastor of a Pentecostal church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Kingsley Ihunda, has been arraigned by a chief magistrates’ court for allegedly biting an expectant mother, Ejiro Abua (not real name), on the waist during deliverance and infecting her with HIV, The Nation has reported.
The sad incident took place at Ada-George, Diobu in Port Harcourt Local Government, on July 27. It was gathered that Mrs. Abua, a mother of one, who had reportedly lost two pregnancies, was allegedly directed to the pastor by Treasure Victor, 40, a female herbalist, for special prayers.
It was during the process of deliverance that the pastor allegedly infected her with HIV following a 'holy bite'. She also lost the pregnancy. Revealing before the court how the incident happened, Abua said 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, who she said worked with her.
The complainant said the pastor allegedly asked her to pay N1,500 for olive oil for prayer.
She went on: “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 alleged that a few months later, she tested positive for HIV, but her husband tested negative, adding that it was discovered the pastor infected her. The pastor and herbalist were charged with conspiracy, assault and pretence.
The prosecutor, Jonas Rufus, told the court that the crime was committed on July 27 at Ada George, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt. He said 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.
The accused pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail.
The matter was adjourned till last Friday for hearing. At the sitting, the victim opened her case and told the court her side of the story. The matter was adjourned till today for further hearing.