“I chained him because he’s possessed by spirit of stealing” – Pastor father of 9-year-old boy
A Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) pastor who allegedly chained his young son inside a branch of the church in Ogun State has been arrested.
Francis Taiwo, 40, apparently pastors CCC’s Key of Joy Parish in Ogun State.
Sadly, Taiwo reportedly chained his 9-year-old Korede inside the church building for weeks. Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rescued the boy on Friday and took him to hospital.
Taiwo has reportedly told the police why Korede had to be chained up.
“I chained my son because I felt he is possessed and I’m not comfortable with his stealing habit.” According to a police source, that’s Taiwo’s explanation.
The Christian cleric, who divorced Korede’s Delta State born mother in 2007, could be charged to court over child abuse related offences.
Korede has three other siblings but they left with his mother after Taiwo cut ties with her.
The pastor father so allegedly abused Korede, 9, he could barely walk when NSCDC officials found him. The pastor fled after NSCDC rescued Korede from the church. Police later arrested Kehinde, Korede’s step-mother.
Pastor Taiwo is now in custody.
Officials say Korede can now walk after a few days of humane treatment. NSCDC say they would, this week, hand him over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare..
