In a shocking and tragic incident, the Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of a female evangelist, identified as Happiness Echieze, under suspicious circumstances in an Aba guest house. The incident, which occurred on August 12, 2023, has raised concerns and questions within the community.
According to the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the police received a report from Mr. Godwin Akpan, a resident of Jubilee Guest House in Ovom village, Obingwa LGA. Mr. Akpan informed the authorities that he had discovered the lifeless body of Happiness Echieze in the hotel room of a clergyman named Timothy Otu, who was associated with Agape Evangelical Ministry at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa LGA.
Tragically, Happiness Echieze was found unclothed and a white substance was reportedly emanating from her mouth and nose. The clergyman, Bishop Timothy Otu, was absent from the scene when the discovery was made. Preliminary investigations have been launched into the matter, and the deceased’s body has been transported to the SDA Mortuary in Aba, awaiting an autopsy examination.
Bishop Timothy Otu has been apprehended by the police, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigations. The authorities are treating the incident as a suspected murder case, pending further findings.
Prior to the police confirmation, various online news sources in Abia State had reported allegations that the late Evangelist Happiness Echieze died during a sexual encounter with Pastor Timothy Otu. These reports also suggested that the two individuals were believed to have had a romantic relationship, which had allegedly been speculated about even before this tragic incident.
Happiness Echieze, a 43-year-old evangelist, leaves behind a grieving family, including five children. Her husband was reportedly based in Bayelsa State. As the investigations unfold, the community and the public at large await further details surrounding this distressing event.
