…police say victim was drugged before being assaulted; suspects also confessed to homosexual acts.

 

The Imo State Police Command has arrested and remanded a 32-year-old pastor, Ikenna Emmanuel, and his alleged accomplice, Franklin Chizoba, over the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman under the guise of conducting prayers for her.

 

Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday, said the suspect, who heads the Authentic Power City Church, hails from Umuobom in Ideato-South Local Government Area of the state.

 

According to Okoye, the incident occurred on June 30 when Chizoba lured the victim to the pastor’s residence. The clergyman allegedly served her a drink laced with drugs, which left her dizzy and disoriented.

 

“Shortly afterwards, she became dizzy, after which both suspects had unlawful carnal knowledge of her,” Okoye stated.

 

Following a report to the police, operatives from Orlu Division swiftly arrested the suspects. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to the crime and further admitted to engaging in homosexual acts.

 

Okoye confirmed that the duo were arraigned in court on August 12 and subsequently remanded at the Owerri Correctional Facility pending trial.

 

The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, warning that such crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.