Pastor Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, a 31-year-old student of a theological institution in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, has been arrested by police for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.
His arrest was facilitated with the assistance of the Abia State office of Behind Bars Defenders.”
The victim reportedly became infected following the alleged defilement.
This revelation was disclosed in a press statement by Ochiegbu Marvelous, Abia State Director of Behind the Bars Defenders, alongside the organization’s Public Relations Officer, Nony Philip.
According to the statement, the disturbing act by the pastor was first brought to the attention of Behind Bars Defenders by the victim’s mother.
Acting promptly, the organization reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division in Abia State, leading to the suspect’s swift arrest on November 6, 2025.
Following his apprehension, Pastor Gabriel was transferred to the Gender Desk Unit at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Umuahia for thorough investigation and prosecution, the group stated.
“Behind Bars Defenders, condemning all forms of defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, urged the Abia State government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the public to strengthen efforts to protect children and vulnerable individuals from sexual and gender-based violence.”
DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, confirmed that the incident was reported to the Ubakala Divisional Police Station.
She stated that a preliminary investigation had been conducted and that the case has been transferred to the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where further investigations are ongoing.