Ebonyi Police Arrest Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Sickle Cell Patient

Police in Ebonyi State have arrested and detained Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, the General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church in Abakaliki, following allegations of sexual abuse made by a 22-year-old female church member.

The police confirmed the cleric was taken into custody on Wednesday and remains under investigation.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, told reporters on Friday:

“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 alleged victim, identified as Euphemia Ede, claims she began living in the church five years ago after her family and the bishop agreed she should undergo “divine healing” for sickle cell anaemia.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Ede alleged that Bishop Onyeagoziri assured her a “seven-day sexual encounter” with him was all that was needed to change her genotype from SS to AA.

“The spiritual healing failed to solve my case. I am a sickle cell patient,” she said in the video.

Police have barred media access to the bishop while investigations continue. Attempts to reach him directly for comment were unsuccessful.

The case has sparked outrage on social media, with calls for accountability within religious institutions and protection of vulnerable members.