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.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
The anti-graft agency also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements made during the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said it approved El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a Kaduna State High Court order and in keeping with its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
According to the commission, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai was absent when proceedings commenced on the first day.
The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal physician.
The commission stated that no prior request had been made for the medical consultation and that when questioned by its medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, requested that he consult his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition seeking the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it approved the hospital visit in line with the court’s directive.
The commission said its medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday and remained outside the consultation room at the request of his family members while he was being attended to by an oncologist.
However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
According to the commission, the photographs suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the statement said.
The commission said it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience and courtesy, but alleged that its goodwill had been abused.
It added that it would bring the alleged violation of the court order to the attention of the court.
The ICPC also announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law, warning that it would not tolerate any abuse of its goodwill or disregard for court orders.
The controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal deepened on Monday following the reported arrest of the father of the council’s embattled promoter, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The Federal Government has listed the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 10 others as prosecution witnesses.
The arrest of Adeyemi’s father reportedly took place at the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday. According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, police officers stormed the residence and took the elderly man into custody.
“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to appear in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.
Eyewitnesses alleged that police officers arrived in four vehicles, prevented neighbours from intervening, and took the elderly man to a police station. A family friend who was visiting the residence was also reportedly arrested, while Adeyemi’s aged mother was left in a state of shock.
The development has sparked concerns among legal practitioners and human rights advocates over the legality of the arrest.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, cautioned against drawing conclusions without knowing the reasons behind the arrest.
“If a person is arrested solely to pressure a suspect to surrender, such an arrest is unlawful,” Osigwe said. “However, if the father is himself a suspect or a person of interest in the investigation, then the law permits his arrest.”
Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Erugo, maintained that arresting a parent for an offence allegedly committed by a child is unlawful.
According to Erugo, Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, expressly prohibits arrest by proxy or in lieu of another person.
He, however, urged the Nigeria Police Force to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stressing that the public deserves a clear explanation from the authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the reported arrest as of the time of filing this report.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday one man was killed in front of his shop in the northeastern city of eMalahleni by unidentified criminals.
It gave no more details on the incident, which it said took place on Sunday, June 28 — on a weekend when tensions were building up ahead of nationwide anti-migrant rallies last week.
Vigilantes have attacked foreign nationals and looted foreign-owned shops on numerous occasions in the last few months, as South Africans blame immigrants for problems such as crime and unemployment. Migrant rights groups say foreigners are being used as scapegoats for deep-rooted problems.
Ghana said last week one of its citizens was fatally wounded in a shooting during the anti-immigrant demonstrations. South Africa said his killing was not related to the protests and accused Ghana of spreading misinformation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks against migrants. Police said they arrested 900 people during last week’s protests.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday: “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance… against foreigners is not addressed.”
Crime
Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Native Doctor, Others in Intelligence-Led Operation
A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man allegedly linked to ritual activities connected to the abduction.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the Ette axis of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the location, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard said further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities believed to be connected to the kidnapping. He has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to the agency, preliminary findings, supported by consultations with community leaders, revealed that residents had previously raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders condemned the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat crime. They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions on the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led security campaign, the Forest Guard reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, violent crime, and other security threats across Enugu State.
The Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and swift response.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and prompt action in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
“The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stole more than ₦7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the public presentation of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
According to the EFCC chairman, the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts from her bank account. She told him that about ₦7.2 million—money she had saved over six years for her child’s education—had been fraudulently withdrawn.
He said the commission immediately swung into action and, despite legal restrictions limiting certain investigative activities in the state where the incident occurred, successfully recovered the entire sum before the close of business that same day.
Olukoyede said the incident underscores the increasing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and warned that many people only appreciate its devastating impact after becoming victims.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and the public to combat internet-related crimes more effectively.
The EFCC boss also urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds traced to foreign countries.
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