A controversial case has emerged in Ebonyi State, as the police have arrested Bishop Ndibueze Onyagoziri Okorie, General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral, over allegations that he had a marathon sexual relationship with a 22‑year‑old female sickle cell patient, promising her a “divine” cure.
According to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the cleric is currently in custody at the state police headquarters in Abakaliki while investigations continue. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed his arrest:
“Yes, the Bishop is with us … it is under investigation. On Wednesday, 1st October, he was arrested … and brought to the state police command over the act.”
The victim, in a video that has since circulated widely on social media, claimed she moved into the church premises at the decision of both the cleric and her family. The aim was that she might be healed of sickle cell disease through spiritual intervention. But instead of healing, her condition worsened.
The woman alleged that the Bishop had told her that seven consecutive days of sexual relations with him would change her genotype from SS to AA, effectively curing her disease. Desperate for relief—especially after the loss of three siblings to the same illness—she said she consented to the arrangement.
However, the victim claimed the promised healing never came. When she insisted on leaving, she alleged the Bishop threatened to release nude photos of them. After returning to her village, she discovered naked images allegedly showing her and the Bishop had been posted online, drawing public outrage.
Her elder sister, intervening in the matter, demanded she leave the church. The victim says she has spoken out now because the “divine treatment” was no longer working and she feared for her life.
On the other hand, Bishop Onyagoziri has strongly denied all sexual conduct with the woman. He claims his phone was stolen, and that artificial intelligence was used to doctor pictures to implicate him.
The allegations have caused shock across the state and the religious community. Many are now demanding thorough and transparent investigations, while critics warn against dangerous “miracle cures” being promoted under the guise of faith healing.
Sickle cell disease is a serious genetic blood disorder common in Nigeria. Many patients and families search for remedies—some conventional, others spiritual—when medicine offers limited solutions. This case highlights how vulnerable individuals can fall prey to dangerous promises.
As investigations proceed, many await whether the police will press charges for sexual assault, blackmail, digital defamation, or other offenses. The result could set an important precedent in cases where religion, health, and consent collide.
