An evangelist alleged to have raped a 13-year-old girl in Mararaba, Karu Local Government area of Nasarawa state has been arrested by the State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Sani Mohammed, on Monday told newsmen in Lafia that the suspect was invited to stay with the girl’s family in Mararaba, based on trust, but abused the privilege by forcefully having carnal knowledge of the minor.

Mohammed said, “It is unfortunate that the Pastor took advantage of his closeness to a family among his congregation to rape their 13-year-old daughter.”

According to the Commissioner, the suspect (whose name was not mentioned) had confessed to committing the crime. He said the evangelist had earlier told investigators that he was trying to cast demons out of the girl.

“This man was believed to be a man of God by the family but used the advantage of his said position and proximity to the family to rape the 13-year-old girl,” Mohammed lamented, noting that investigation had been concluded on the matter and the suspect would soon be charged to court.