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.
Crime
2 Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers Neutralised as Anambra CP Orders Probe into Head Bridge Shooting
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Two suspected armed robbers and kidnappers have been neutralised by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.
The development came as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into an incident involving police operatives and a suspect at the Head Bridge, Onitsha.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involving the suspected criminals occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Ikenga said operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence that a group of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers had been sighted along Eziowelle Road.
He said the operatives swiftly mobilised to the area, but the suspects opened fire upon sighting the police team, leading to a gun duel.
“During the ensuing encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Ikenga said.
He added that the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the separate incident at the Head Bridge, Onitsha, where gunshots were reportedly fired during an attempted arrest.
Addressing residents and other members of the public in Onitsha on Wednesday, CP Oji Ama said the immediate priority of the Command was to ensure that those injured in the incident receive adequate medical attention and recover fully.
The Commissioner subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered.
CP Oji Ama further ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events that led to the discharge of the firearm.
He stressed that the investigation would establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken based on its findings.
The Commissioner appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful while the investigation runs its course.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the situation around the Head Bridge area has been de-escalated, with the free flow of vehicular and human movement restored.
The shooting, which lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes, occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall where he had met with the monarch.
Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election.
An eyewitness, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Adeleke and his entourage were received by Oyetunji, where the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch.
The eyewitness said trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch had offered prayers.
According to her, Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit reserved for the monarch and his wives when the shooting started.
She said, “He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots. Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.
“The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums exchanged gunshots. Those hoodlums later fled the scene.”
She said, “We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace. They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back.
“We all ran away and left our wares. They also engaged the governor near the Osogbo Central Mosque before they fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.”
The incident caused panic in the area as traders and other residents reportedly fled their businesses and sought safety during the shooting.
When contacted, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack.
Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants and that no casualty was recorded.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said.
As of 4:45 pm, when our correspondent left the scene, sporadic gunshots were still being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly shut their shops for fear of being caught in the violence.
…Calls for Probe, Commission of Inquiry into Violence in Ohaukwu, Ezza South
Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, has condoled with the family of Elder Onwe Ubochi of Osege Village, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, following his gruesome murder.
Odii described the killing as a tragic loss to the deceased’s family and the people of Ohaukwu and Ebonyi State, urging security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force to identify and prosecute everyone found to have planned, sponsored, facilitated or participated in the killing, stressing that every Ebonyian’s life is precious regardless of political affiliation.
Calls for Commission of Inquiry
Odii also urged Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to constitute a high-powered commission of inquiry into the recurring violence and political tensions in Ohaukwu and Ezza South.
He said the commission should investigate previous incidents of violence, alleged threats, political tensions and other factors contributing to insecurity in the affected communities.
According to him, understanding the remote causes of the violence is essential to preventing further loss of lives and restoring public confidence.
Scholarship for Children
As part of his response to the tragedy, Odii announced scholarships for the children of the late Elder Ubochi through university level.
He said the gesture was intended to support the children and ensure that their father’s death does not derail their education.
“While nothing can replace their father, I want the children to know that they are not alone. I am committing to providing scholarships for his children up to university level. We will stand with the family and support the children in their education,” he said.
Odii also appealed to political, community and other stakeholders to reject violence and urged supporters of all political parties to remain calm and resist attempts to provoke reprisal attacks.
He said the people of Ohaukwu, Ezza South and Ebonyi State deserved peace, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of a citizen.
He urged security agencies and the state government to act swiftly and transparently, saying justice for Elder Ubochi should be accompanied by concrete measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The reported killing of an elderly man identified as Elder Onwe Ubochi of Ngbo has sparked fresh concerns over political violence and the safety of citizens and political actors in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to accounts surrounding the incident, Ubochi had attended a political gathering in Ohaukwu/Ebonyi Federal Constituency organised in support of an APGA candidate, where he was reportedly invited to lead an open prayer.
He was allegedly attacked and killed later that night, with reports also alleging that his mouth was mutilated.
The circumstances surrounding the killing, however, have not been independently established, while the identities and motives of those responsible remain unknown and subject to police investigation.
If the reported circumstances are confirmed, the incident would raise serious concerns about the safety of political supporters and citizens participating in lawful political activities.
The development has also prompted calls for the Inspector-General of Police to order a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ubochi’s death.
Among the questions investigators are being urged to establish are who organised and attended the gathering, when and where Ubochi was last seen alive, who was responsible for his movement after the event, and whether the killing was politically motivated.
There are also calls for investigators to determine whether the deceased had received any threats before his death and whether security lapses contributed to the incident.
Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Hon. Emmanuel Nwobo has reportedly raised concerns over the political atmosphere in parts of Ebonyi State, including Ohaukwu and Ezza South, during appearances on four television stations.
Calls are also growing for Governor Francis Nwifuru to consider establishing an independent panel to examine allegations of political violence and intimidation in the affected areas.
Supporters of the proposal say such a panel should investigate allegations from all political sides, hear from victims and witnesses, review previous incidents and recommend measures to prevent further violence.
The calls come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Stakeholders have urged political leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups to work towards maintaining peace and ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence.
They also stressed the need for political campaigns to remain within the bounds of the law, with disputes resolved through lawful democratic processes rather than retaliation.
The family of the late Elder Ubochi has meanwhile been urged to be allowed to determine arrangements concerning his remains in accordance with their wishes, traditions and applicable law.
Those calling for justice said the immediate priority should be establishing the circumstances of his death, identifying those responsible and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The reported killing has therefore become another point of concern for stakeholders seeking a peaceful electoral environment in Ebonyi ahead of 2027.
The central demand from those calling for an investigation is that political participation must not expose citizens to violence and that any allegation of politically motivated killing should be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.
By Our Reporter
ENUGU — The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, identified as Nnaji Chidiebere, after he was allegedly electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a transformer in Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
Chidiebere was arrested on August 17, 2026, after residents reportedly alerted the police that a man had been trapped inside a transformer along Ogbaike Road at about 2:20 p.m.
Following the alert, operatives of the Udenu Police Division mobilised to the scene and found the suspect unconscious and suffering from various degrees of burns.
The police said he was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital, where he was resuscitated before being referred to a specialist hospital for further treatment.
According to the Command, the suspect regained consciousness and identified himself as Nnaji Chidiebere, claiming that he had been alone at the scene.
However, preliminary investigations have allegedly linked him to transformer vandalism in the area, with the police saying further investigations are underway to establish the full extent of his activities and identify possible accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended members of the community for promptly alerting the police, saying their intervention enabled operatives to respond quickly, rescue and arrest the suspect.
Giwa reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information about suspicious activities in their communities.
The police said the suspect would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
SP Daniel Ndukwe, mnipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
August 18, 2026
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