NAPTIP Begins Probe Into Alleged Sexual Assault By ECWA Wuse II Pastor

…..Agency Vows Unfettered Investigation as Concerned Church Members Demand Justice

ABUJA: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault leveled against Rev. Nashon Azaki, the senior pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Wuse II, Abuja.

Rev. Azaki is accused of sexually harassing female staff members of the church, allegedly exploiting his position to take undue advantage of them. The allegations have sparked outrage among concerned members of the church, who have petitioned both NAPTIP and the ECWA Headquarters, demanding his removal.

Confirming the development, NAPTIP’s Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said the agency had received a petition on the matter. While Adekoye refrained from naming the accused, he assured that all parties involved had been invited for interrogation.

“A petition was written to the agency concerning allegations against someone in ECWA church. All parties have been invited for interrogation, and investigations are ongoing,” Adekoye stated.

In a related development, Abuja-based legal practitioner Dr. George Ogunyomi, acting on behalf of the concerned church members, petitioned ECWA’s General Secretary, demanding Rev. Azaki’s removal. The petition, dated February 3, 2025, accuses the embattled clergyman of violating ECWA’s rules by remaining in office despite “overwhelming evidence” of sexual misconduct.

The petitioners expressed disappointment over what they described as the “abysmal handling” of the case by ECWA leadership in Abuja. They accused church leaders of shielding the pastor, alleging that the Garki District Church Council Chairman prematurely declared Rev. Azaki cleared of wrongdoing without proper investigation.

“It is baffling that the chairman announced Rev. Azaki had been cleared without due process. Interestingly, those who supported him are reluctant to stand by him in the face of public scrutiny,” the petition read.

The concerned members also criticized some elders and former leaders, claiming Rev. Azaki used church resources to curry favor and intimidate perceived enemies. They insisted that NAPTIP’s intervention was critical to protecting female congregants and ensuring accountability.

“We expect NAPTIP to live up to its mandate. The safety of female congregants is paramount, and the law must take its course,” they added.

NAPTIP has assured the public of a thorough investigation, promising that justice will prevail without interference.