The Edo State Government has arrested Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, following allegations that he sexually abused two biological sisters, aged 13 and 17, in separate incidents linked to his church in Benin City.
State officials said further testimonies from other minors have emerged, deepening concern over the alleged abuses and prompting ongoing investigations by law enforcement.
Officials said the arrest came after several days of surveillance and strategic action by government personnel. The suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday after multiple victims stepped forward with accounts of alleged misconduct while under his spiritual care.
In addition to the two sisters, four other girls from the congregation have reportedly alleged improper sexual conduct by the cleric, raising broader questions about abuse in religious settings.
Eugene Abdullah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, confirmed the arrest, noting that authorities acted on credible reports to safeguard vulnerable young people and address the severity of the allegations.
Abdullah added that other children from the church have come forward, indicating that the scope of the complaint extends beyond the initial pair of sisters.
Support services have also weighed in. Faith Edebor of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre said that preliminary investigative work supports the victims’ claims, pointing to a pattern that merits thorough probing by law enforcement and child protection agencies.
The involvement of specialised support centres underscores the psychological and legal complexities in cases involving minors and adult authority figures.
Law enforcement has taken over the case, with the matter referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Edo State Police Command for detailed inquiry and possible prosecution.
Authorities are expected to interview victims, gather corroborative evidence, and determine appropriate charges under Nigeria’s laws protecting children from sexual violence.
Bishop Osazee has publicly denied the allegations. He claimed there was a personal relationship with the eldest alleged victim, whom he asserted had told him she was of age. This denial has been a focal point in pre-investigation statements, but police stress that comprehensive evidence and victim testimonies will guide legal action.
Child rights advocates say the case highlights persistent challenges in protecting minors from abuse, especially in institutions where adults hold significant influence.
Community leaders have called for strengthened regulatory oversight of religious organisations, mandatory safeguarding practices, and robust reporting mechanisms to ensure children’s safety and accountability for offenders.
Legal experts noted that if charges are filed, the accused will face prosecution under relevant provisions of Nigeria’s criminal code and child protection laws, which prescribe severe penalties for sexual offences involving minors.
They stressed the importance of due process, evidence-based investigation, and trauma-informed support for victims throughout legal proceedings.
The allegations and arrest have sparked public discourse about trust, authority, and the protection of vulnerable populations within faith communities. Advocacy groups are urging swift, transparent action from the police while reminding the public of the need to protect victims’ identities and wellbeing during the investigative and judicial phases.
