A 31-year-old student of a Theological institution in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

The suspect, who was identified as Pastor Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, was arrested through the help of
Behind Bars Defenders, Abia State office.

It was also alleged that the victim became infected after being defiled.

The development was made known by Abia State Director of Behind the Bars Defenders, Ochiegbu Marvelous and the organization’s Public Relations Officer, Nony Philip, through a press statement.

According to the statement, the ugly action of the Pastor was brought to the attention of Behind Bars Defenders by the mother of the victim.

“Acting swiftly, the organization reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division, Abia State, who ensured the suspect’s prompt arrest on November 6, 2025.

“Following his arrest, Pastor Gabriel was transferred to the Gender Desk Unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Umuahia, for proper investigation and prosecution”, the group said .

Behind Bars Defenders, which condemned in strong terms all forms of defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, called on the Abia State government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka confirmed that the incident was reported to the Ubakala Police Divisional Police station.

The PPRO, who said that a preliminary investigation was conducted on the matter, said the case had been transferred to Gender Section at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, where more investigations were ongoing.