Police nab pastor, accomplice for alleged rape

Operatives of the Orlu Divisional Police headquarters of the Imo State Police Command have taken into custody a pastor and his accomplice for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman.

Also, a 39-year-old, Ifeanyi Odinka of Amaifeke Orlu, has been arrested for stabbing his 75-year-old father, Denius Odinka, to death.

The spokesperson of the command, Henry Okoye, made this known on Wednesday night in a statement.

He stated that the pastor, Ikenna Emmanuel, 32, of Unuobom, Ideato South Local Government Area, who runs Authentic Power City Church, and one Franklin Chizoba, a male, had in June 30, allegedly lured their victim under the pretext that they were going to pray for her, adding that in the process, they gave her a liquid substance to drink which later made her to be dizzy.

Okoye said the duo used the opportunity and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her, stressing that the operatives later arrested the suspects, adding that after their arrest and interrogation, they were charged in court, where they were remanded in the correctional centre.

He said, “Following the report, operatives from Orlu Division promptly arrested the duo. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to the offence and further admitted to engaging in homosexual acts. They were subsequently charged in court on 12th August, 2025, and remanded at the Correctional Facility, Owerri, pending trial.”

In the case of Ifeanyi, who allegedly stabbed his father to death, Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said there was a dispute between him and his father over the proceeds of a land sale, which led to the former killing the latter.

He informed: “In a different development, operatives of Orlu Division, on 12th August, 2025, apprehended one Ifeanyi Odinka ‘m’, 39 years, of Amaifeke Orlu, for stabbing his father, Denius Odinka ‘m’, 75 years, to death following a dispute over proceeds from a land sale. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime.”

The spokesperson disclosed that the murder suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for more investigation.

“The murder suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for further investigation and prosecution.

“The Imo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents. The command urges Imolites to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600,” he said.