The Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of the founder of the Royal Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, over allegations of prolonged sexual abuse involving two sisters who were minors at the time the incidents reportedly began.
In a statement issued by Wisdom Agbonta, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the confirmation was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, who said the arrest followed a formal complaint by the victims alleging that the abuse spanned several years. According to the allegations, the cleric reportedly exploited religious and family ties to gain access to the victims and allegedly used intimidation, oaths, and threats to silence them.
Mrs. Abdallah explained that the victims later disclosed their experiences to a trusted family member, whose intervention encouraged them to seek help and report the matter to authorities. She said the Ministry acted promptly upon receiving the complaint, working with security agencies and child protection partners to ensure the safety of the victims, provide psychosocial support, and gather evidence to support investigations.
The Commissioner disclosed that the suspect was apprehended after months of tracking, following what she described as lawful and coordinated efforts by the state despite alleged attempts to evade arrest. She confirmed that the cleric has since been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.
She stressed that the Edo State Government would pursue the case to its logical conclusion, noting that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, particularly cases involving children and other vulnerable persons.
Mrs. Abdallah urged survivors of abuse to speak out, assuring them that the state has established reporting and response mechanisms, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres, where victims can access medical care, counselling, and legal support in a confidential and secure environment. She added that timely reporting helps prevent further abuse and serves as a deterrent to those who may seek to misuse positions of trust and authority.
Also speaking, the Manager of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Dr. Faith Edebor, said the victims were promptly received at the Centre and provided with appropriate medical and psychosocial care. She disclosed that medical examinations and psychological assessments conducted were consistent with the accounts given by the victims.
Dr. Edebor assured that investigations are ongoing and that all relevant authorities are committed to ensuring justice is pursued in line with due process and established legal procedures.
