ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (BN24) — Police in Ebonyi State have arrested Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri, the General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral, for allegedly having repeated sexual relations with a 22-year-old female church member who has sickle cell disease.
Onyagoziri, who has led the church in Abakaliki, was arrested by police on October 1 and is currently in custody. Police spokesman DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the arrest and said an investigation is ongoing.
The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, told investigators that she had moved in with the bishop due to her worsening health condition. She claimed her family and the cleric had agreed that she would live at the church to receive “divine healing” for her illness. However, the woman said her health deteriorated, and Onyagoziri allegedly told her that a seven-day sexual relationship with him would cure her sickle cell disease, changing her genotype from SS to AA.
In a video that circulated on social media, the victim described her desperation to survive. She said she agreed to the sexual arrangement in the hope of a cure, especially after losing three siblings to the same disease. After the alleged seven days of sexual intercourse, the woman said her health worsened, prompting her to inform her sister about the situation.
The victim’s sister intervened and insisted that she return home. Upon her departure, the woman said she discovered intimate photos of her with the bishop circulating online. She claimed Onyagoziri had threatened to post the images if she left.
Onyagoziri denied the allegations, claiming his phone had been stolen earlier in the month. He told reporters that individuals who used his phone to fabricate the photos and post them online used artificial intelligence.
“I never had any sexual relations with her,” Onyagoziri said. “The pictures are doctored. They aren’t real.”
The case has prompted outrage, with many questioning the actions of religious leaders who hold significant influence over their congregants. Police have not disclosed further details as they continue to investigate.
This incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual help and the potential for abuse by religious figures in positions of power.
