Abia Student Pastor in Custody for Allegedly Defiling 15-Year-Old Girl

Authorities in Abia State have arrested a 31-year-old theology student, identified as Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl in Umuahia.

According to the Abia State Police Command, the suspect, a student pastor at a theological institute in Umuahia, was taken into custody following a report filed at the Ubakala Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson DCP Maureen Chinaka confirmed the arrest, noting that the case has been transferred to the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

A statement jointly signed by Marvelous Ochiegbu, State Director of Behind the Bars Defenders, and Nony Philip, the group’s Public Relations Officer, revealed that the victim’s mother alerted the organisation after discovering the incident. The group promptly reported the case to the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest on November 6, 2025.

The rights organisation condemned all forms of child abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation, urging the Abia State Government, security agencies, religious institutions, and the public to strengthen efforts in protecting minors and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.

Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in custody pending further action.