Mentally ill pastor apprehended for raping woman abducted at church vigil

Punch News reported that the incident which occurred in Ibusa located in the state capital Asaba, saw the suspect hold the victim against her will.

She was reportedly locked up in his shop until she was rescued on Thursday, January 18, 2018.

The event ensured that Esther's family entered panic mode. According to Punch, they searched for her after the church service held at the Living Faith Church to no avail. After ceaseless prayers organized by the worship center, the victim was eventually found thanks to her brother's friend.

The latter had visited Paul's shop to buy some items when she was discovered. She was reportedly hypnotized and bluntly refused to leave the location with her family.

“We went for a vigil at our church on Friday, January 12. We could not find her after the service. My sister is a special child. She had convulsion while she was young and it affected her. She can’t read and write.

“Someone saw her at the man’s shop on Thursday and raised the alarm. When we got there, we discovered that the man had bought new clothes for her. She had been hypnotised and refused to follow us. Later, she said the man made her to swear with a Bible that she would not leave him and that if she did, she would die. He should be in his 50s.

“We learnt that he chased away his wife and children a long time ago. He sells souvenirs outside the church (Winners Chapel). The church does not have anything to do with him," Esther's brother who insisted on being anonymous told Punch News.

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While addressing newsmen, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, confirmed the incident but was not able to offer facts concerning the allegation of rape leveled against the suspect Paul.

“We are investigating a case of abduction. The victim is suspected to be physically challenged.

“The so called pastor is not a pastor. He has a history of mental illness. Be that as it may, it is not for the police to establish who is mad or not.

"The appropriate authorities will take care of that. It is case of abduction, which we may have to charge to court," he revealed.

A medical report in the possession of Esther's family however established that she was raped following a test.