Catholic Cleric Released After Alleged Involvement in Lover’s Death During Abortion Attempt

The Nigerian Police Force has released Roman Catholic cleric Oliver Vershima, who had been previously detained for his alleged involvement in the death of his lover during an attempted abortion in Benue. It was gathered that Vershima was apprehended in June 2023 after being found with the lifeless body of his alleged lover.

Initially arrested by the Adikpo division of the Benue State Police Command, Vershima was later transferred to the State Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Makurdi, the state capital. Shockingly, it has been revealed that the case was compromised during the proceedings at the SCIID.

According to a reliable source, the cleric was neither charged nor arraigned by the police, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal process. The source expressed disappointment, stating, “Police stations in Nigeria are now courts of law where cases should be taken to and judged in favor of those who give bribes to right their wrongs.”

The source further detailed Oliver Vershima’s alleged history of inappropriate behavior within the Roman Catholic Church, highlighting his extramarital affairs and misuse of his position to exploit women. The source recounted instances of his sexual misconduct, leading to his transfer to another branch of the Saint Martins Catholic Church Perish, Mbape. However, he was later reinstated at the Saint Augustine Branch at Jov Mbahura, where the tragic incident occurred.

When contacted for comment, Anene Sewuese Catherine, the Benue State Police Spokesperson, expressed a lack of information, stating, “I would have to check again and give you feedback.” The situation has sparked concerns about the transparency of legal processes and the need for accountability within the Nigerian law enforcement system.