A 31-year-old pastor in old Umuahia, Umuahia South local government area of Abia State, identified as Moses Ifeanyichukwu Gabriel is cooling off his feet in police net.
Gabriel, an indigene of Elu Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of the state and pastor of the Assemblies of God Divinity School, Old Umuahia, was arrested for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident which occurred at the Assemblies of Divinity School, was brought to the attention of a human rights group; Behind Bars Defenders by the mother of the victim.
The group, acting on the report available to them, reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division who ensured the suspect’s prompt arrest.
It was gathered that after his arrest, Pastor Gabriel was transferred to the Gender Desk Unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Umuahia by the Ubakala Police Division, for proper investigation and prosecution.
Reports have it that medical examinations conducted at the Police Clinic confirmed that the minor had contracted infections resulting from the alleged act.
Behind Bars Defenders State Director, Comrade Marvelous Ochiegbu and Comrade Nony Philip, State PRO condemned in strong terms all forms of defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, and reiterated the commitment of the group to supporting victims and ensuring justice is served without compromise.
“We call on the Abia State Government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender based violence.
“Together, we can put an end to the scourge of defilement, rape, and child trafficking in our communities”, said Ochiegbu.
When contacted, the state Public Relations Officers of Abia State Police Command, Maureen Chinaka confirmed the arrest of the cleric and his detention at the police facility.
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She said that investigation into the matter was ongoing at the time of filing the report.
