The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church, following allegations by a 22-year-old congregant, Euphemia Ede, that he lured her into years of s+xual exploitation disguised as “divine healing” for her sickle cell condition.

Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed on Friday that the cleric was picked up on Wednesday and remains in custody. “We have commenced an investigation and he will definitely be arraigned upon the conclusion of our findings,” Ukandu stated.


Ede, in a viral podcast interview, recounted how the preacher manipulated her parents’ desperation after losing three siblings to sickle cell. She alleged that while still in SS3, the bishop told her that sleeping with him for seven days would miraculously change her genotype from SS to AA. “He is the one who broke my virginity,” she said tearfully, adding that despite years of intercourse, her health only worsened.


The victim further accused the bishop, also known as Ndubueze Onyeagoziri Okorie, of thr+atening her with a rifle and forcing her to pose for n¥de photographs. She claimed the explicit images, which recently went viral, were taken under duress. While the cleric denied the photos, saying they were AI-generated by “detractors,” Ede insisted they were authentic.


According to her, between 2021 and 2025 she tried several times to escape his residence but was threatened with death if she exposed him. The abuse escalated in 2025 when he allegedly sought to marry her, despite being married already.


The shocking revelations have sparked outrage across Ebonyi State and beyond, with women’s groups, civil society organizations, and residents demanding justice. Many describe the case as a litmus test for Nigeria’s criminal justice system, urging police not to bow to political or religious pressure.

Source: Nigerianeye