Rivers Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Raping Pastor’s Pregnant Wife to Death

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a suspect named Emeka for his alleged involvement in the brutal gang rape and murder of Mrs. Chigbewejim Steward, the pregnant wife of a local pastor, in the Abarikpo community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The harrowing incident occurred on February 12, 2023, after Emeka and Mrs. Steward had a heated argument earlier in the day. Later that night, Emeka, along with his accomplices, forcibly entered the Steward residence, abducted Mrs. Steward, and took her to an undisclosed location where she was raped and strangled to death.

Following the crime, Emeka reportedly fled the community upon learning that law enforcement was pursuing him. However, he was eventually tracked down and arrested on Thursday.

The victim’s husband, Lawyer Steward, who serves as an Assistant Pastor at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Abarikpo, confirmed the arrest. He recounted the events leading up to his wife’s death, highlighting Emeka’s threat to show her “wickedness” after she called him a wicked man.

Steward said, “My wife was five months pregnant. Emeka and his gang raped and strangled her to death. The police arrested him on Thursday. Now he is in police custody. I have gone to the station to give my statement. I want the government to intervene so that justice will prevail. I thank the police for their effort in arresting these bad boys.”

The grieving pastor also alleged that Emeka and his gang were part of the cult group known as ‘Iceland,’ and that they took his wife to their hideout where the heinous acts were committed. He described finding his wife’s body near a fishing pond, with visible bruises and bleeding.

It was noted that the late Mrs. Steward was known for her vocal opposition to criminal and cult activities in the community.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, indicated she would confirm details from the Divisional Police Officer but had not responded as of Friday morning.

However, a senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that alongside Emeka, two additional suspects had been arrested by the Ahoada Police Division and are currently in custody.