An Anambra-based cleric, Favour Ezani, has been arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl, Precious Okafor, at his residence in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, a general overseer of a Pentecostal church, was apprehended by the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), a state government security outfit.
In a video circulating online, the cleric reportedly admitted to the act and claimed he administered a mixture of bitter leaf and other herbs to terminate the pregnancy in an attempt to avoid public exposure.
He was also said to have appealed to security operatives for leniency, promising to cover the victim’s medical expenses.
Speaking with journalists at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha, the spokesperson, Karen James, said the case was reported by a security operative from Igboukwu, a neighboring community.
According to her, the victim had been handed over to the cleric by her aunt for what was described as a special deliverance session before the incident occurred.
She explained that the aunt became suspicious after discovering the girl was pregnant, and upon questioning, the victim identified the cleric as responsible. The suspect is currently in police custody.
Narrating her experience, the teenager said the abuse began in November 2025, shortly after she arrived at the cleric’s residence for the exercise arranged by her aunt.
She alleged that the cleric repeatedly assaulted her and threatened her against speaking out.
The victim also claimed she was given herbal substances to terminate the pregnancy, which has led to ongoing health complications.
She appealed to the Anambra State Government, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals for assistance to access proper medical care.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old woman and four other gang members have been arrested for allegedly dispossessing motorcycle operators of their motorcycles and other belongings in the Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the female suspect posed as a passenger to lure motorcycle operators to isolated locations where other gang members attack and dispossess them of their motorcycles and valuables.
He gave the suspects’ names as Sunday Chukwudebele (22), Adaobi Udeze (26), Chimezie Ifebi (35), Kelvin Chukwuejike (28), and Uzi Chukwuejike Williams Umeh (26).
He said one locally made Beretta pistol, three Qlink motorcycles (150 Tiger model) suspected to have been stolen, and a red-colored face mask were recovered from the suspects.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
