A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting at Gudu, has sentenced Bishop Kenneth Duke, a 52-year-old prominent church leader, to 20 years in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The case was brought to court by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The bishop, an indigene of Cross River State, was convicted after committing the crime on March 6, 2023. The victim, the daughter of one of his church members, had been entrusted to stay with his family to learn a skill. The girl, originally from Ondo State, had been brought from Lagos to live with her mother in Abuja.
On the morning of the assault, Bishop Duke sent his own children on an errand and, while alone with the victim, attempted to have her solve some math problems. He then violently raped her, covering her mouth to stifle her cries. Despite her pleading, the bishop continued his actions, leaving the girl emotionally traumatized.
The case, which was heard before Court 16 under case number CR/702/2023, included charges of rape and intentionally causing emotional and psychological abuse. On Wednesday, the court found Bishop Duke guilty of the rape charge and sentenced him to 20 years in prison without the option of a fine.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court upholds death sentence for Adedoyin
NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that the convicted bishop had been residing near Dantata Construction Company in Dakwa, Abuja. He also stressed that the court’s judgment would serve as a stern warning to others involved in such heinous crimes.
In a statement, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed relief over the conviction, stating that it sends a clear message that the agency will not tolerate any violations of the law, regardless of the perpetrator’s status. She emphasized the lasting psychological effects of rape and called for greater vigilance in protecting children from such abuse.
“This judgment will serve as a deterrent,” said Bello. “Rape is a serious crime with lifelong consequences for victims. We must continue to protect our children and take a strong stand against all forms of sexual violence.”
Bishop Duke, a father of five, had been a trusted leader within the community. His conviction follows a disturbing pattern of incidents that have shed light on the need for greater oversight of religious institutions. NAPTIP has reiterated its commitment to fighting human trafficking and sexual violence, especially in cases where vulnerable children are at risk.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and is a significant step toward holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable, regardless of their position or influence within society.
