Bishop Joseph Agutu told the court he was busy making burial plans for his mother who died a few weeks ago.

Agutu has been accused of committing the crime between April and July 2016 when he lived with the teenagers, one aged 14 and two 15, in an orphanage.

Bond

He also faces an alternative charge of touching the private parts of one of the minors. He has denied the charges and is out on bond.

In his defence, Agutu claimed the charges were fabricated, adding that he used to hear the girls talk to their boyfriends. The hearing continues on October 7.