A 50-year-old pastor, Emmanuel Mathew, was, on Wednesday, arraigned before an FCT High Court for allegedly raping three pupils in a school at Mpape, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mathew, who is the pastor and general overseer of The Choice Bible Church, Mpape, and proprietor of the primary school where his victims schooled, was arraigned on a five-count charge.

The prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, told the court that the accused raped two seven-year-olds and a nine-year-old pupil within the school premises, on different occasions.

Nwodo said the offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code, which if convicted, would earn the accused a 14-year jail-term, an option of fine or both.

Mathew pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After arraignment, the counsel to the accused, Mr Uya Yamah, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

The prosecutor did not oppose the application, because the accused had been on administrative bail.