A dramatic twist has emerged in the ongoing sexual assault case involving a prominent cleric in Ebonyi State, Samuel Onyeagoziri Okorie, after a leading sickle cell advocate, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, announced the withdrawal of her petition against the bishop.
Maduagwu had earlier petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the state government, demanding the prosecution of the bishop, who was accused by a 22-year-old sickle cell patient identified as Euphemia of sexually exploiting her for five years under the guise of healing.
The cleric has been in police custody for two weeks over the allegations.
However, in a surprising U-turn, Maduagwu, who is the National Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, declared that she no longer stands by her earlier petition. She attributed her decision to what she described as “insincerity, deceit, and blackmail” surrounding the scandal.
“I have found overwhelming evidence of manipulation in this case,” she stated. “My investigation revealed that the girl was being sponsored by a popular businessman, politician, and another cleric. She was using the sickle cell condition to curry public sympathy and weaponize the narrative.”
Maduagwu explained that she conducted an independent investigation, interviewing multiple witnesses tied to the case, and concluded that the relationship between the bishop and the young woman was consensual, not coerced.
“After my investigations with testimonies from different quarters tied to the case, I am withdrawing my initial report against the Bishop and providing clarity to promote understanding and healing,” she said.
She further disclosed that the bishop personally apologized to her in the presence of his lawyer and police officers at the Ebonyi State Police Command, over their past grievances — an apology she accepted.
Maduagwu, a renowned advocate who played a major role in pushing through the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Law, 2019, revealed startling details from her findings.
She stated that in 2021, the victim’s family — including her father, mother, and sister — introduced her to the bishop and later encouraged a relationship, allegedly pressuring him to impregnate her so they could have grandchildren.
The bishop, according to her, provided “extensive support” to the woman, including buying her a minibus, funding her education, placing her on a monthly allowance, and appointing her as secretary and second-in-command in his ministry. He also reportedly donated blood to her during health crises.
“These efforts reflect his commitment to her well-being despite her health challenges,” Maduagwu noted.
She further stated that the young woman was not a minor when the relationship began, adding that she allegedly introduced the bishop to pornography and taunted him over his age to “perform better sexually.”
Maduagwu also debunked claims that the bishop used weapons to threaten the victim, describing the allegations as fabricated.
“All sexual acts were consensual. There were no threats with guns or knives. The nude photos on the Bishop’s phone were taken with her consent during private moments,” she clarified.
According to her, the explicit pictures only surfaced after the bishop’s phone was stolen and reported to the police on September 2. She said the alleged victim initially denied leaking the photos but changed her stance after a meeting with another cleric at the police station.
Maduagwu also criticized sensational media reporting of the case, warning journalists and podcasters against publishing one-sided narratives.
“Responsible journalism requires due diligence and balanced reporting. Many rushed to publish without hearing all sides,” she said.
The case has sparked heated conversations in Ebonyi, with growing calls for a thorough and transparent investigation to separate fact from sensationalism. Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest development.
