Edo State Government Arrests Senior Cleric Over Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
The Edo State Government has taken decisive action against alleged sexual abuse of minors by arresting a prominent religious leader. Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, was apprehended by state officials following allegations involving two biological sisters.
Government Confirms Arrest and Investigation Details
State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugene Abdullah, confirmed the arrest after several days of surveillance operations targeting the suspect. According to official statements, multiple children from the church have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Bishop Osazee.
The case has now been formally transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Edo State Police Command for thorough investigation and potential prosecution. This move demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing sexual violence cases with appropriate legal procedures.
Victims' Accounts Reveal Disturbing Details
The two sisters at the center of the allegations reported that the sexual assaults occurred when they were aged 13 and 17 respectively. The elder sister, now 21 years old, provided a detailed account of her experience during official proceedings.
"I woke up and saw that it was my Pastor. That was how he took advantage of me. He overpowered me," she testified. "One day, he told the church he would conduct a midnight deliverance service for me. That night, he made me swear an oath not to reveal the sexual encounter."
The victim further alleged that Bishop Osazee claimed to possess supernatural monitoring abilities, stating that "any man that had sex with me would be stuck inside because he has a monitoring mirror."
The younger sister corroborated these accounts, confirming she was only 13 years old when the alleged abuse occurred. Both victims' statements have been documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
Suspect's Defense and Preliminary Findings
Bishop Osazee has denied all allegations, presenting an alternative narrative to investigators. He claims to have proposed marriage to the elder sister with a ring, asserting that she presented herself as 21 years old at the time of their relationship.
However, preliminary investigations conducted by Faith Edebor of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre have reportedly supported the victims' claims. The center's initial findings add credibility to the allegations against the religious leader.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of sexual abuse within religious institutions and the importance of proper investigation protocols. The Edo State Government's intervention represents a significant step toward justice for alleged victims while maintaining proper legal procedures for all parties involved.
