POLICE ARREST PASTOR OVER SEXUAL ABUSE OF 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ANAMBRA
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The General Overseer of ‘Jesus Is Ontop Ministry’, Amichi, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Evangelist Dozie Ezani, is currently in police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, over allegations of serially assaulting and impregnating a 16-year-old girl in the Amichi area of the state.
It was gathered that the suspect was arrested at his poultry farm in Igboukwu, Aguata LGA, by operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad following credible intelligence and surveillance of his activities.
The spokesperson for SASA, Karen James, told journalists after a cross-examination of the victim at the agency’s headquarters in Onitsha on Friday that the suspect allegedly carried out the acts at his residence, church in Amichi, and at his poultry farm in the neighbouring Igboukwu community.
James disclosed that the suspect was subsequently transferred to the State CID for further interrogation and investigation.
She said, “A security personnel from Igboukwu, where the latest incident occurred, brought in the report of the rape. The security personnel have been observing the suspicious movements of the pastor and the young girl before bringing the report to SASA’s attention.
“On receiving the report, and after due diligence gathering, SASA operatives stormed the church at Igboukwu, on Monday, to arrest the suspect, where he and the victim were brought to the SASA’s office. The suspect was immediately handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for further investigation.
“During interrogation, the victim said she was formerly residing in Lagos, but her aunt brought her back and handed her over to the pastor for ‘special deliverance’, before the suspect started forcefully having sexual intercourse with her, leading to suspected pregnancy.”
According to the SASA spokesperson, the victim will undergo medical examination to determine her condition and the extent of “damages”, while efforts are ongoing to locate the aunt, who is reportedly on the run.
Speaking at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha, the victim, who identified herself as Precious Okafor from Amichi, said the pastor began forcefully having sexual intercourse with her in November 2025 shortly after she arrived at his residence for the “special deliverance.”
The victim stated that she was repeatedly abused by the pastor at his church, farm, and residence before she was rescued. She added that she is unsure of her pregnancy status and has been experiencing health complications after taking substances given to her by the pastor. She appealed to the state government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals for medical assistance, while expressing gratitude to SASA operatives for their intervention.
During a video interrogation, Ezani admitted to sexual activity with the girl but attributed it to “the devil’s handiwork.” He said the substances he administered were intended to address the suspected pregnancy and offered to cover her medical expenses if released.
The Head of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, confirmed that the suspect remains in SCID custody as investigations continue. He urged communities to report suspicious activities, stating, “The state frowns at such acts, and perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue a formal statement on the arrest, but SASA said the suspect had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
When contacted on the development, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was not aware yet, but would make enquiries before making any official statement.
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