Pastor arrested for raping 20-year-old woman lured with prayer

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a pastor, his accomplice, and a separate suspect in two unrelated criminal cases in Orlu, involving alleged rape and murder.

Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives from the Orlu Divisional Headquarters apprehended 32-year-old Pastor Ikenna Emmanuel, of Authentic Power City Church in Umuobom, Ideato-South Local Government Area, alongside Franklin Chizoba, for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when the victim was invited to the pastor’s residence under the pretext of receiving prayers.

Upon arrival, she was allegedly given a drink, after which she became dizzy, enabling both suspects to have unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

Following a report to the police, the two men were arrested.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to the offence and further admitted to engaging in homosexual acts,” the statement said.

“They were subsequently charged to court on 12th August, 2025, and remanded at the Correctional Facility, Owerri, pending trial.