A 63-year-old pastor, Luke Eze, has been remanded in custody by an Enugu court following his arrest for the alleged rape of two sisters, aged 16 and 19.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe detailed how the cleric reportedly lured the teenagers to his church, “City of Hope Ministry,” under the guise of “deliverance sessions,” where he then subjected them to horrific assaults.
Pastor Eze, whose ministry is also known as “Ọkụ Night” (Fire Night) and located in Okunito-Amansiodo, Oghe community, Ezeagu LGA, was apprehended on 11th September 2025 by operatives from the Iwollo Police Division. His arrest came after a distressing report was filed by the victims’ parents.
Ndukwe stared that “investigations by the Gender and Anti-Human Trafficking Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) paint a grim picture of the events. It is alleged that on 7th September 2025, Pastor Eze lured the 16-year-old sister to his church for a deliverance session.
“During this session, he reportedly had her engage in an empty-mortar-pounding ritual before administering a stupefying liquid substance, rendering her unconscious. It was during this state of vulnerability that he allegedly violated her.
“When the younger sister failed to return home, her 19-year-old sibling went to the church in search of her. Tragically, she too was reportedly subjected to the same deceptive ritual and administered the same intoxicating substance. After losing consciousness, she was similarly violated.
“Both victims regained consciousness the following afternoon, 8th September, to discover themselves naked, with alarming bloodstains on their intimate areas and other physical evidence suggesting a brutal assault.
“Police have since recovered two plastic bottles containing the unidentified substance allegedly administered to the victims, which have been sent for forensic analysis. Confronted with the evidence, Luke Eze reportedly confessed to the heinous crimes, purportedly blaming his actions on the devil.”
“Following the conclusion of investigations, Pastor Eze was formally arraigned in court and subsequently remanded in correctional custody, pending further legal proceedings.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has unequivocally condemned the alleged acts. Speaking on the matter, CP Giwa stated, “This is an abominable and senseless act that defies all morality and spiritual calling. We caution parents and the public to be extremely vigilant and not fall prey to criminal elements masquerading as spiritual leaders.”
He further assured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served in this deeply disturbing case.
