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.
A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of Nigerian-American car dealer Oluwatobi Adegoke at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre over an alleged $680,000 vehicle-import fraud.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe issued the order on Friday following Adegoke’s arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of stealing.
According to the EFCC, Adegoke was arrested in July 2026 over an alleged cross-border scheme involving the purported purchase and importation of luxury vehicles from the United States to Nigeria.
Investigators reportedly linked him to a US-based syndicate allegedly targeting Nigerians seeking to purchase vehicles abroad.
The commission alleged that Adegoke, while residing in the United States, circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers, claiming he could procure and ship the vehicle to Nigeria.
The EFCC further alleged that two victims paid more than $320,000, equivalent to approximately ₦434.88 million, in connection with the transaction.
However, the charge before the court cited an alleged theft of $680,000 belonging to Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike.
According to the charge, the money was transferred to the bank account of Adegoke’s company, Omosco Auto Sales LLC, for the purchase of a 2022 G-Wagon from an individual identified as Mr Robinson.
The alleged offence is punishable under Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Adegoke pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following the plea, EFCC counsel Arazeem Adebayo urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant.
Defence counsel Olalekan Abiodun, whose earlier objection to the arraignment was overruled, subsequently asked the court to keep his client in EFCC custody pending the filing of a bail application.
The judge rejected the request and ordered that Adegoke be remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case until January 13, 2027, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations against Adegoke remain subject to judicial determination.
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have reportedly been given the opportunity to choose any of the six South-West states for their national service.
According to Saturday PUNCH, the graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, while travelling in two commercial buses belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors. They were reportedly heading to Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Families of the victims disclosed that they paid ₦6 million per captive to secure their release, after the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million per person. One victim’s mother said the demand was later reduced to ₦15 million before the kidnappers agreed to accept ₦6 million following appeals from the family.
Relatives and well-wishers reportedly contributed money towards the ransom. Some family members also described the emotional and physical toll of the incident, with one mother revealing that she and her daughter had been hospitalised following the ordeal.
The Imo State Police Command, however, maintained that the graduates were rescued through sustained security operations and denied knowledge of any ransom payment. The police had announced their rescue on Wednesday, after which the victims were taken to a Department of State Services hospital in Owerri for medical evaluation.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also visited the released graduates alongside senior security officials.
However, the NYSC had yet to officially confirm the reported offer allowing the graduates to choose their preferred South-West states as of the time of publication.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of corps members travelling long distances for national service. Similar kidnappings in other parts of the country have intensified calls for improved security measures and, in some quarters, the scrapping of the 53-year-old scheme.
Although the Federal Executive Council approved NYSC reforms in June 2026, including risk-sensitive deployment and a technology-driven mobilisation process, questions remain about how effectively the measures will protect young graduates from security threats.
ENUGU — The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested five male suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the statement, police operatives attached to Inyi Division responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw Community, Oji-River Local Government Area, at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.
One suspect, identified as 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, was arrested while other suspects reportedly fled the scene. Police said they recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry-bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.
In a separate operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested two suspected cultists, 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus, at Umudioka Community in Nsukka.
Three live rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Police said the two men confessed during interrogation to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Meanwhile, on September 25, operatives of Aninri Division, working with members of the Neighborhood Watch Group, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amagu Mpu Community in Aninri LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna, from whom police said one locally made pistol was recovered.
Similarly, on September 18 at about 11:00 p.m., operatives of 9th Mile Division, acting on information and in collaboration with Neighborhood Watch members, arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi LGA.
He was arrested over alleged involvement in armed robberies in the area. Police said one cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were recovered from him.
The Command said investigations into the cases are ongoing and that the suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended members of the public for providing information and praised the police operatives for their response to credible intelligence.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes, while urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of security agencies.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Awka High Court, on Tuesday, denied bail to the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Mr Harrison Anazodo, who is standing trial over alleged offences relating to his activities as a pastor.
Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds, but the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, rejected the application, citing concerns over possible interference with witnesses.
The development came as seven persons, believed to be members of the congregation, are expected to testify in the case.
The court adjourned the matter until October 16 for further proceedings.
Speaking shortly after the hearing, State Counsel, Victoria Ekwerekwu, commended the Anambra State Government for its efforts to tackle alleged fraudulent activities by some religious figures.
She said, “We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work is possible.”
According to her, the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Anazodo, although the state would still be required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
“Today, there is a prima facie case against the accused, Mr Harrison Anazodo, though it is left for us to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
“The court ruled on the bail application and denied him bail because of the witnesses, to ensure that they are not interfered with. The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 16,” she said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, expressed optimism that the case would be concluded expeditiously, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with the court.
“We have been here since 9am. The court considered the bail application filed by his counsel and, after weighing its merits, the judge ruled that bail should be denied.
“We are looking forward to the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice will be done and will be seen to have been done,” Mefor said.
By Our Correspondent
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha in Imo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, Nadada arrived in the state alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing rescue operation.
He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available assets, while issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas.
He added that the operation was being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the abductors and coordinated efforts with other security agencies.
Nadada assured members of the public that the police remained committed to securing the safe release of the abducted persons.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying.
The police boss urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.
He assured the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The police said further updates would be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
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