Student Pastor Arrested in Umuahia for Allegedly Defiling 15-Year-Old Girl

A 31-year-old student pastor in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Pastor Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, was apprehended with the assistance of Behind Bars Defenders, Abia State office.

The incident reportedly came to light after the victim’s mother alerted the organization. Following swift action, the matter was reported to the Ubakala Divisional Police Officer, who ensured Pastor Gabriel’s arrest on November 6, 2025.

According to a press statement from Behind Bars Defenders, the suspect has been transferred to the Gender Desk Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Umuahia for further investigation and prosecution. The group condemned all forms of defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, urging authorities, religious institutions, and the public to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.

DSP Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer for Abia State, confirmed that a preliminary investigation has been conducted and the case remains under active investigation at the Gender Section of SCIID.