The Anambra State police have taken into custody a pastor accused of raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl. Dozie Ezani, the general overseer of Jesus Is Ontop Ministry, is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and investigation.
Ezani was arrested at his poultry farm in Igboukwu, a community in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state, by the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), a vigilante group set up by the state government. The arrest followed a tip-off about Ezani's alleged activities, which reportedly involved raping the girl in his house, church, and farm.
According to Karen James, spokesperson for SASA, the victim had been residing with Ezani for "special deliverance" before he allegedly started forcefully having sexual intercourse with her, leading to pregnancy. The victim has undergone a medical examination to ascertain the true state of her condition and the extent of "damages" done to her.
The suspect, in a video clip recorded by the vigilante group, attributed the alleged rape incidents to the "devil's handiwork." He also offered to cover the victim's medical expenses incurred in the course of her treatment in the hospital.
The arrest of Pastor Dozie Ezani is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in our communities. The Anambra State government's decision to set up SASA has proven to be a positive step in addressing crimes that might have otherwise gone unreported. However, it is concerning that the pastor was able to carry out his alleged crimes for so long without being detected. The authorities must ensure that such incidents do not recur by providing adequate support to victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The fact that the suspect has admitted to the crime and offered to cover the victim's medical expenses raises questions about the extent of his involvement and the need for a thorough investigation.
