The Anambra State Police Command has detained the General Overseer of Jesus is Ontop Ministry, Amichi, one Dozie Ezani, for the alleged rape and impregnation of a 16-year-old girl.
Ezani was reportedly apprehended at his poultry farm in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, by operatives of the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).
Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Amawbia, for further interrogation.
The victim, whose identity is withheld, was reportedly brought from Lagos by her aunt and handed over to the cleric for “special deliverance” sessions before the alleged abuse began.
Speaking on the development at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha on Friday, a spokesperson for the security outfit, Karen James, stated that the suspect allegedly defiled the minor repeatedly at his residence, his church in Amichi, and his poultry farm.
James said, “A security personnel from Igboukwu, where the latest incident occurred, brought in the report. They had been observing the suspicious movements of the pastor and the girl. Upon receiving the report and conducting intelligence gathering, SASA operatives stormed the location on Monday and arrested the suspect.”
The spokesperson added that the victim would undergo a medical examination to ascertain her health status and the extent of the harm done to her. It was further gathered that the victim’s aunt is currently at large, and security operatives are on her trail.
‘Deliverance’ turned ordeal
Narrating her ordeal, the victim claimed the cleric began sexually assaulting her in November 2025, shortly after she arrived at his home for spiritual intervention.
“The pastor repeatedly abused me at his church, his farm, and his house. I am pregnant, but I am not sure of the state of the pregnancy because he gave me some substances to drink, and I have been experiencing complications since then,” she said.
The teenager appealed to the Anambra State Government, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians for medical and legal assistance.
It’s the devil’s handiwork — Suspect
In a video clip recorded during the briefing, the suspect, Ezani, reportedly admitted to the crime, attributing his actions to the “handiwork of the devil.”
The cleric further admitted to administering certain substances to the girl, claiming they were intended to “address” the pregnancy. He reportedly offered to settle the victim’s medical bills.
Confirming the detention, the Head of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, stated that the suspect remained in SCID custody while investigations continued. He urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
“The state government frowns at such heinous acts. We assure the public that perpetrators will be brought to book,” Nwokoye added.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, for official comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, as he did not respond to calls or messages.
