Crime
Sickle Cell Victim Exploited Sexually By Cleric Narrates Ordeal, Demands Justice
…We Are Investigating The Matter, While She Is Undergoing Counseling——Mrs. Nwifuru
OBINNA OGBONNAYA Abakaliki
Recently, the social media was agog with the nude picture of a 22 year old girl, Euphemia Ede, a sickle cell patient alongside side an Abakaliki based popular Cleric, Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri Ndubueze who is the general Overseer of Champion of the Truth Churches Mile 50 Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital. Euphemia Ede who hails from Amudo Ezza South local Government area of the State has accused Bishop Okorie of deceiving her into having sex with him for a period of 7 days with the believe that through sexual intercourse with him, his health condition will change and his genotype change from SS to AA.
Bishop Ndubueze Okorie hails from Onicha Igboeze, Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Euphemia who is said to be currently undergoing a counselling session in Abakaliki had appeared as a guest in a podcast alleging that the cleric have been sleeping with her since 2021 while she was still a secondary school student.
Narrating her ordeal, Miss Ede said that before she started living with the cleric, she has never meet him for until her friend informed her of the Bishop and his spiritual powers. According to her, out of six siblings, 4 are living with sickle cell and out of the 4, she is the only surviving one. She noted that the 3 siblings that died usually die after taking the Senior School Certificate Examination SSCE.
She maintained that her fear grew when she entered SS3 class which prompted her to start looking for solution so as not to loss her life the way and manner her other siblings did. When my friend told me about the cleric, I discussed it with my elder sister who encouraged me to go and see the Bishop in his church at Abakaliki. When I came to Abakaliki and meet with the Bishop, he insisted that I should living in this church to enable him pay adequate attention to my plight and for me to be healed from my illness through divine treatment.
He insisted that he would be sleeping with me everyday for 7 days that after the 7th day, I will be healed but unfortunately the spiritual healing failed to solve the my problem as my case worsened. My vulnerability forced me into accepting all the conditions he gave me. Even in my crisis period, he will still insist on sleeping with me assuring me that the crisis was part of the healing process. I will always give in to his demands because I was desperate and frustrated following the deaths of my siblings.
Apart from having sex with me, he will also take my nude pictures. Each time I informed him that I want to go back to my family since my mission wasn’t successful, he will threaten me and said that should I leave the church, he will post my nude pictures in the internet and ensure he tarnishes my image. I will always succumb to his threat and stay back. At a point I had to complain to my elder sister who stepped into the matter and insisted that i must return home since divine treatment was no longer working.
She stated that after several appeals to allow her return to her people, Bishop Okorie made a proposal to get married to me but I refused because I wanted to continue with my education and continue to seek for solution to my health challenge. According to her, major trouble started when I left the church and returned home. He continue calling that I must come back to the church.
To my greatest shock, several of my friends started calling me that they saw my nude pictures with the Bishop on Facebook and other media platforms. At first I didn’t believe it until I saw the pictures myself. My family had to report the matter to the Ebonyi State police headquarters and we were invited. When he got to the police station and made his statement, he called my elder sister which we recorded his voice telling my elder sister that I should accept that the video was Photoshop and Artificial Intelligence, AI. When my sister refused to accept his offer, he boasted that the matter will not get anywhere.
Surprisingly, that same day he was released by the police and he called again boasting that he had earlier informed us that the matter won’t get anywhere. I believe he must have bribed the police. So I decided to speak out and tell the whole world my story. Thereafter, I was informed that the police rearrested him. My ordeal was almost forced me into taking my own life but thank God for all the people that stood with me and encouraged me.
I can hardly go out now. If am walking along the road, there is this feeling that all eyes are on me. My complete nude pictures are everywhere in the internet. The phycological trauma is something am still battling to deal with. Each time I open my phone and goggle my name or that of the Bishop, what appears are my nude pictures. I believe that the pictures are also in everyone’s phone and my issue has become a public discuss. How do I continue with my academics, it’s so frustrating.
I don’t have the means to ensure that justice is done, am only appealing that the relevant authorities ensure that I get justice. I am also appealing for assistance medically. I am from a poor family and we don’t have the means to always visit the hospital for my medications and other needs.
The Press Secretary to the Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Nnenna Oshibe said that the wife of the Governor has directed her Pet Project team BERWO to investigate the matter and report back to her. Her Excellency on getting the news of the incident immediately directed her pet project team to investigate the matter and report back to her. She has also instructed that the girl undergo a counselling session to enable her manage and come out from the trauma she is currently facing.
She is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that justice is granted to the victim. We are still expecting the conclusion of the investigation by the team. The office of the wife of the Governor is making sure that all the victims needs are provided. We will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet.
The cleric who is still in the custody of the Ebonyi State Police Command is expected to appear in court once the police concludes it’s investigation. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu said. Yes, the Bishop is still in our custody at the police headquarters, Abakaliki. Investigation is still ongoing and I want to assure that once we conclude with our investigation, he will be charged to court. This is not the kind of case you joke with. It has to do with the dignity of the victim.
The National Coordinator, Association of People Living With Sickle Cell Disorder, APLSCD, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu has petitioned the Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya demanding for swift Justice for the Sickle Cell Victim Sexually Exploited by Detained Bishop Sam Ndubueze Onyeagoziri Okorie.
Aisha Maduagwu is also the Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu, Anambra State in a petition dated 8th October 2025 and made available to LEADERSHIP implored the Commissioner and the investigative team to prioritize this case.
She appealed to the team to also ensure that the Bishop’s detention leads to comprehensive justice for all victims. Silence or inaction risks perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
“As a long standing sickle cell advocate dedicated to supporting victims of exploitation and advocating for systemic change on how sickle cell persons are treated, I make this undersigned release in solidarity with a sickle cell victim (Names withheld) who was sexually exploited by one Bishop Sam. Ndubueze Onyeagoziri Okorie, the General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral.
“The State police command holds a duty to uphold the law and protect the most vulnerable among us. “We await your speedy but yet discreet investigation on the matter.
Meanwhile, Bishop Okorie has dismissed the sex scandal describing it as a desperate attempt by his detractors to tarnish his image and discredit his ministry. Okorie who is one of the foremost cleric in the State with a massive population said the pictures were maliciously doctored with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create a false impression.
The cleric who organizers a monthly crusade and spiritual awakening programs is also one of the regular preachers in many radio and television stations in the State. He said that he officially reported the theft of his phone to the Nigeria Police Headquarters, Crack Department, Abakaliki, on September 2, 2025, a day after the incident occurred.
“The people who stole my phone started using advanced AI to manipulate an old picture of mine with that of a young adult girl. They circulated the fake images across social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. To worsen it, they even shared them on my community WhatsApp groups—Ogbako Onicha and Onicha OIS. Imagine the humiliation of someone planting such lies against me in my own community,” he lamented. He however, maintained that no amount of blackmail would succeed against him, declaring that God’s hand upon his ministry is stronger than any orchestrated smear campaign.
“But despite how viral the pictures have gone online, all I can say is that my enemies can never succeed with their blackmail. The hand of God is upon my ministry and is too strong for lies to prevail. Every attempt to pull us down will only elevate us further,” he said.
Professor Onyeagoziri urged members of his congregation and the public not to be deceived by negative reports, assuring them that truth would always prevail over falsehood. He also encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and not allow envy, hatred, or fabricated allegations to derail them from their divine calling. Ends.
Two police officers have been killed after suspected armed herders ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest attack occurred on Monday evening, barely four days after another deadly incident in the community reportedly left four policemen and seven residents dead.
Community sources said the DPO had travelled to Makurdi on official duty and was returning to Ayilamo when his entourage came under attack.
One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers stationed in the area.
He said the officers were attacked at about 6pm while travelling from Ayilamo to escort the DPO back to the community from Makurdi.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s entourage were killed in the attack.
“The DPO came to Makurdi to collect some things, and while returning to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu said.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Ayilamo, where repeated attacks have resulted in casualties among security personnel and residents.
The Nigeria Police Force has placed its formations nationwide on red alert following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks on worship centres, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other public places.
The alert followed fresh intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on vulnerable targets across the country.
Police authorities also reportedly received intelligence on the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The operational order was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, with reference number CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, issued by the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important,” the message was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The police directed formations to intensify vigilance and take proactive measures to prevent criminal and terrorist elements from carrying out attacks.
The warning specifically highlighted places of worship, educational institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public locations as potential targets.
A 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been rescued in Onitsha, Anambra State, after his abductors reportedly abandoned him near a security checkpoint.
Ayogu was rescued on the evening of September 13, 2026, by a joint security patrol team operating along Oguta Road, Onitsha.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the teenager was found at Ekene Junction after unidentified persons reportedly pushed him out of a black Toyota Highlander SUV close to a security checkpoint.
The patrol team immediately intervened and rescued the victim, thereby preventing what the police described as further danger to his life.
Following the rescue, the Command said it had intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend members of the suspected criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
The police also appealed to residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State who may have useful information about Ayogu or his family to contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command in Awka.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel involved in the rescue and directed officers to sustain strategic checkpoints, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated security operations across the state.
The Command assured residents and visitors that it would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements from using Anambra as a safe haven.
At least nine passengers have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 9:40 p.m. when the bus, which was travelling towards Jos, stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers.
Several other passengers were reportedly injured in the attack and rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, identified the driver as Ibrahim and said three of the victims were from his community in Bukuru.
“The driver is Ibrahim and he was my student. Three of them are from our community here in Bukuru. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital. But relatives are preparing to collect them for burial,” Suleiman said.
The bus was reportedly riddled with bullets, with bloodstains visible inside the vehicle after the attack.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle.
Tengwong said one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow.
“The incident happened around 9.40 p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.
He added that some passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospitals, while some of the injured reportedly later died.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commuters travelling along the route at night amid continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into two separate incidents of alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
The incidents reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to thoroughly investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to the statement, armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted a National Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia with sporadic gunshots, leaving two attendees injured.
In a separate incident at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
The police said operatives were promptly deployed to both locations after receiving reports of the incidents to prevent further breaches of peace and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Command, however, noted that neither of the political gatherings had been formally brought to the attention of the police for security coverage.
CP Giwa reiterated his warning that all political activities in the state must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
He stressed that electoral offences are punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace or the electoral process.
The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable the Command to make adequate security arrangements.
He assured residents that the police would continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities while dealing decisively with anyone found violating the law.
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