Shock in Ebonyi: Pastor Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Sickle Cell Patient Under Guise of Genotype Healing

The Ebonyi State Police Command has taken into custody Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri, the General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral, following disturbing allegations that he s*xually exploited a 22-year-old woman battling sickle cell disease. The pastor, known for his controversial “divine transformation” claims, reportedly convinced the young woman that he possessed the spiritual ability to change her genotype from SS to AA through what he described as “anointing sessions” and “spiritual purification.”

According to police sources, the shocking incident came to light after the victim’s family reported the pastor’s repeated manipulation and abuse to authorities. The young woman, whose identity remains withheld for security and privacy reasons, had allegedly been undergoing what the pastor termed “faith-based healing encounters” for months before realizing that she had been deceived into repeated acts of assault under the guise of spiritual deliverance.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the arrest, describing the case as “deeply disturbing and morally reprehensible.” The statement read, “The suspect, Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri, was arrested following credible intelligence and complaints from the victim’s family. Preliminary investigations indicate that he took advantage of the victim’s health condition and faith to commit the act. The matter is under thorough investigation, and the suspect will face appropriate legal action.”

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Bishop Onyagoziri had built a strong following in parts of Ebonyi and neighboring states, often holding crusades that promised miraculous healing and deliverance from genetic and spiritual infirmities. Members of his church reportedly believed in his “supernatural gift” to alter genotypes through prayer and physical touch, a claim that medical experts have consistently dismissed as impossible and dangerous.

Residents of the area were left stunned by the revelation, as many described the self-proclaimed bishop as a charismatic preacher who often spoke about faith, healing, and the power of divine intervention. Some of his congregants, now disillusioned, admitted they had always found his healing methods “strange” but were too afraid to question his authority. One church member, who requested anonymity, said, “He would tell people that science has failed but the Holy Spirit never fails. Many of us believed because he quoted the Bible and performed things that looked like miracles. We never imagined he could do something like this.”

The victim’s family narrated how their daughter had been introduced to the cleric by a church member who claimed the bishop had “changed” another person’s genotype. In desperation, they took her to him, believing divine healing could bring an end to her years of battling sickle cell complications. The bishop allegedly convinced the family that the healing process would require “special anointing sessions” conducted privately, and the young woman later revealed that these sessions involved acts she did not understand at first. It was only after her condition worsened and the supposed “transformation” failed to occur that she confided in her family about what had transpired.

Following her confession, the family immediately sought medical and legal help, leading to the pastor’s arrest. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the police had obtained medical reports and other evidence to support the claims. The victim is currently receiving medical and psychological care as investigations continue.

The case has since sparked widespread outrage across social media and within religious communities, with many Nigerians calling for stricter regulation of self-styled prophets and miracle workers who exploit vulnerable people under the guise of divine power. The conversation has reignited debates about the intersection of faith and fraud in Nigeria’s religious space, where many unscrupulous preachers prey on people’s pain and desperation.

Human rights advocates have described the incident as a wake-up call for both the government and religious institutions to take a firmer stance against spiritual exploitation. Activist and lawyer, Chika Umeh, in a statement, condemned the act, saying, “It is heartbreaking that in 2025, we are still seeing cases where people use religion as a weapon to manipulate, abuse, and destroy lives. Faith is meant to heal, not harm. The authorities must ensure that this man faces the full wrath of the law, not just for the sake of the victim, but to deter others who hide under cassocks to commit atrocities.”

Medical professionals have also reacted strongly to the claims surrounding the so-called “genotype transformation.” Dr. Uduak Nwosu, a geneticist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, clarified that genotype cannot be altered by prayer or spiritual rituals. “Genotype is determined by the combination of genes inherited from one’s parents. There is no scientific or spiritual process that can convert SS to AA. What we see here is manipulation rooted in ignorance and abuse of trust,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice has reportedly taken interest in the case, emphasizing that crimes committed under the pretense of religion will not be tolerated. Officials confirmed that once the police conclude their investigations, the case file will be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and possible arraignment.

As the news spreads, other alleged victims are beginning to speak out anonymously online, hinting that this may not be the bishop’s first offense. Several comments on social media platforms have accused him of similar misconduct in the past, though none were officially reported. This has led to renewed calls for victims of religious abuse to come forward without fear of stigma or shame.

Community leaders and traditional rulers in the area have condemned the act, urging residents to be cautious and to seek medical help for health issues rather than relying solely on self-proclaimed miracle workers. A local chief remarked, “Our people must understand that some of these so-called men of God are not what they claim to be. Faith is good, but we must not allow ignorance to make us victims of deceit.”

The arrest of Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri has once again brought to light the dark side of unchecked religious power in Nigeria — a nation where faith is deeply rooted but often exploited. The case serves as a grim reminder of how vulnerable individuals, especially those facing life-threatening conditions, can become easy prey for predators in clerical robes.

As the police continue their investigation, the people of Ebonyi — and indeed the entire country — are watching closely to see if justice will prevail. The public outrage, coupled with mounting pressure from human rights groups and medical experts, is likely to ensure that this case does not quietly disappear. For the 22-year-old victim, whose trust was betrayed in the most unimaginable way, the hope now is that her voice will be heard and that her courage to speak out will inspire others to expose deceit masked as divinity.

The story of a young woman’s pain and a pastor’s deception is not just a scandal; it is a warning. It exposes a moral crisis that continues to plague society — one where blind faith sometimes replaces reason, and where the sacred is twisted into a tool for exploitation. The people of Ebonyi now wait, not for miracles, but for justice.