The Enugu State Police Command has arrested and arraigned a 63-year-old pastor, Luke Eze, for allegedly raping two teenage sisters during supposed deliverance sessions at his church in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said Eze was apprehended on September 11 by operatives of the Iwollo Police Division after the victims’ parent reported the incident.
According to investigations, the suspect lured the 16-year-old girl to his church, City of Hope Ministry, also known as “Ọkụ Night,” located in the Oghe community. He allegedly subjected her to a ritual, gave her a liquid substance that rendered her unconscious, and then raped her.
When the victim’s 19-year-old sister went in search of her, she was also forced into the same ritual and drugged before being sexually assaulted. Both sisters reportedly regained consciousness the following afternoon to find themselves naked, with bloodstains on their bodies.
Two plastic bottles containing the liquid substance were recovered from the church and have been sent for forensic analysis. The suspect confessed to the crime, attributing his actions to “the devil.”
After investigations by the Gender and Anti-Human Trafficking Section of the State CID, Eze was charged to court and remanded in correctional custody.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the act, describing it as “abominable and senseless.” He urged parents to be vigilant and warned against criminal elements posing as spiritual leaders, assuring the public that justice would be served.
