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

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old student pastor, Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl in Umuahia, Abia State.

The suspect, said to be a student of a theological institution in Umuahia South Local Government Area, was apprehended with the help of Behind Bars Defenders, Abia State office. The incident has sparked outrage across the community, raising renewed concern about child safety and protection.

According to reports, the victim’s mother reported the incident to Behind Bars Defenders, which led to the suspect’s arrest on November 6, 2025. The organization revealed that the victim became infected after the alleged defilement.

The suspect has been transferred to the Gender Desk Unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Umuahia, for further investigation and prosecution.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the case was initially reported at the Ubakala Divisional Police Station before being moved to the state headquarters for proper investigation. She assured the public that the command remains committed to ensuring justice is served.

The human rights organization Behind Bars Defenders condemned the act, describing it as a grave case of child abuse and sexual exploitation. The group called on the Abia State Government, law enforcement agencies, and religious bodies to strengthen efforts toward protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

“The ugly action of the pastor was brought to the attention of Behind Bars Defenders by the mother of the victim,” said Ochiegbu Marvelous, Abia State Director of the organization. He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving children.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria recorded over 717 cases of child abuse in 2020. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also estimates that one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria experience sexual violence before the age of 18.

The alleged defilement of the 15-year-old girl has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and improved support systems for victims of sexual violence.

Authorities have assured that investigations will continue until justice is delivered for the victim and her family.