Edo Govt Detains Pastor Over Alleged Abuse of Underage Girls
By Shalom Ikuvbogie
Benin City. The Edo State Government has taken into custody Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, following allegations of sexual abuse involving underage girls linked to his church.
Officials said the arrest followed reports by two sisters aged 13 and 17, with four other girls later stepping forward with similar claims. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugene Abdullah, said the suspect was placed under surveillance before being apprehended, after concerns were raised about repeated complaints from children attending the church.
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According to the state government, statements from the victims prompted the handover of the case to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Faith Edebor of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre said initial findings from investigators support the accounts given by the girls and their families.
An older sister, now 21, also accused the cleric of assaulting her in the past and allegedly intimidating her into silence through threats after making her swear an oath.
Bishop Osazee has denied the accusations, insisting that he only had a consensual relationship with the eldest complainant, whom he claimed had told him she was 21 at the time.
Authorities said investigations are continuing as more witnesses are being interviewed.