The Police Command in Ebonyi on Friday said it has commenced investigation into the allegation of sexual abuse against a clergyman, Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, by a 22-year-old female member of his church, Euphemia Ede.
The clergyman’s church, Champions of the Truth Church, is located at Ebonyi Voice, Mile 50 Layout, Abakaliki.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, told NAN on Friday in Abakaliki that the bishop had been detained in their custody.
“The General Overseer was arrested on Wednesday and he has been in our custody. We have commenced investigation and he will definitely be arraigned upon the conclusion of our findings,” the police said.
DAILY POST recalls that in a viral video on social media, the victim alleged that she started living with the cleric five years ago following her health condition, after a decision made by the cleric and her family.
“They said that I should be living in the church to enable me to be healed from my illness, sickle cell, through divine treatment.
The spiritual healing had failed to solve my case. I am a sickle cell patient,” the young lady said.
She alleged that the bishop had assured her that a seven-day sexual encounter with him was all she needed for her genotype to change from SS to AA.
Efforts to speak with the clergyman proved futile as the police did not allow contact with him.
Police investigate alleged sexual abuse of church member by Bishop Onyeagoziri