“And because my elder sister was shouting my name and looking for me, officer told me to pretend like nothing happened and that I should pass through the backyard gate.”
The child said that when she was found by her sister she lied and said that she was at her friend’s house and that her sister had insisted that she took her to the friend’s house.
“I started begging her not to beat me, and I told her that I was inside officer’s room. My sister beat me and reported to my father who was very angry.
“When my mummy came back from the market where she sells Abacha (African salad), my sister reported me again.
“This time my mummy threatened to kill me if I don’t tell her what happened. I became afraid and told her the truth.
“Immediately my mummy called all her brothers and they came to our house the following morning and took us to Amukoko police station to report. It was after we made a report at the station that the police came and arrested Brother Andy,” the witness stated.
The child further told the court that she was referred by authorities to the Mirabel Center (a Sexual Assault Referral Center) where the doctors revealed that she had been sexually abused on several occasions by the defendant.
The prosecutor asked “How many times has he done such to you (sexual intercourse)?”
“Many times. I can’t really count,” the child responded.
While being cross-examined by the Defence Counsel, M.L. Ezomo, the child said the reason why she did not report the abuse was because the policeman had threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
She also insisted “no other person touched me except Brother Andy.”
Justice Nwaka has adjourned the case untill October 30 for continuation of trial.
