Edo Authorities Arrest Church Founder Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Edo State Government has arrested Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry in Benin, over allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. Two biological sisters told investigators they were aged 13 and 17 when the alleged incidents occurred, while four other girls from the church have reportedly made similar claims, which the cleric has denied. Osazee was arrested after days of surveillance, according to officials. The elder sister, now 21, alleged she was assaulted while asleep and threatened into silence, while the younger sister said she was 13 at the time of the alleged abuse. Osazee denied wrongdoing, claiming he had a consensual relationship with the elder sister, whom he said told him she was 21, and that he intended to marry her. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development said the case would be transferred to the Edo State Police Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution, as preliminary findings by the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre were said to support the victims’ accounts.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale