A 23-year-old pastor identified as Kingsley Ihunda has been arraigned by a Port Harcourt chief magistrates’ court for allegedly infecting a pregnant woman, Ejiro Abua with HIV.

The incident happened at the Ada-George area of Diobu, Port Harcourt Local Government of Rivers State.

The woman, a mother of one, narrated that she had lost two pregnancies, and was directed to the pastor by one Treasure Victor, 40, a female herbalist, for special prayers.

As she alleged in the court, it was during the process of deliverance that the pastor Ihunda infected her with HIV following a ‘holy bite’

The woman told the court that she also lost the pregnancy.

She also told the court that 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, whom she said worked with her.

She explained that the pastor allegedly asked her to pay N1,500 for olive oil for prayer.

According to her, “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 further alleged that she tested positive for HIV few months later but her husband tested negative, adding that it was discovered the pastor infected her.

The pastor and the herbalist were charged with conspiracy, assault and pretence.

The Police prosecutor, Jonas Rufus, told the court that the crime was committed on July 27 at Ada George, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

According to him, 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.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail.

The matter was adjourned till Sept. 29 for hearing.