Nigerian Bishop Arrested for Sexually Exploiting Sickle Cell Patient Under Guise of Spiritual Healing

Nigerian Bishop Arrested for Sexually Exploiting Sickle Cell Patient Under Guise of Spiritual Healing.

 A shocking case of spiritual exploitation and sexual abuse has emerged from Ebonyi State, leading to the arrest of a prominent cleric and sending ripples of outrage through the community. Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri, the General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral, is in police custody for allegedly sexually exploiting a 22-year-old woman battling sickle cell disease.

The arrest, confirmed by the Ebonyi State Police Command, unveils a disturbing narrative of manipulation, where faith was weaponized to prey upon one of society’s most vulnerable. According to police reports, the bishop allegedly targeted the young woman, exploiting her deepest desire for a cure, under the false pretense of performing a spiritual exercise that would miraculously change her genotype from SS to AA.

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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a painful, inherited genetic disorder prevalent in Nigeria, which has the largest burden of the disease globally. For patients, the hope of a cure or a better quality of life is a powerful motivator. It is this very hope that authorities allege Bishop Onyagoziri cynically manipulated.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, was reportedly deceived into believing that the bishop possessed the divine power to alter her genetic makeup. Under the guise of a specialized spiritual intervention, the suspect allegedly coerced her into multiple acts of sexual abuse, framing them as an essential part of the “healing ritual.”

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This case highlights a terrifying abuse of spiritual authority, where a trusted religious leader is accused of exploiting not just a person, but their faith and their desperate plea for health. The incident raises urgent questions about the regulation of religious institutions and the vulnerability of desperate individuals seeking miracles.

The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in an official statement, confirmed that Bishop Onyagoziri is currently in custody. “We can confirm the arrest of one Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri for allegations of sexual exploitation. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the crimes and to determine if there are other potential victims,” the statement read.

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The police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, indicating that the scope of the investigation may widen as they delve deeper into the bishop’s activities.

A Broader Call for Vigilance

This arrest serves as a reminder of the predators who operate from the pulpit, using religion as a shield for criminal acts. Advocacy groups for both sickle cell patients and victims of sexual abuse have expressed anger, calling for swift justice and increased public awareness.

They urge families and individuals to be vigilant, emphasizing that no legitimate spiritual or medical healing requires sexual acts. Genuine spiritual support and scientific medical care should never involve exploitation or abuse.