Daud Olatunji
A magistrate court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ordered the remand of Bishop Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze, the presiding cleric of Champion Cathedral Church, over allegations of sexual misconduct, extortion, and the circulation of pornographic materials.
Bishop Ndubueze was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on unlawful carnal knowledge, threats, fraud, and cybercrime, in violation of the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (2018, amended 2024), the Criminal Code, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
The accused was said to have engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with a young woman (name withheld) in 2021 at Mile 50 Layout, Abakaliki, allegedly under threat and deceit. He was also accused of sharing explicit photos and videos of the victim on social media.
When the case came up at Court 2, presided over by Magistrate Chima Nkechi Happiness, the court held that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charges and subsequently ordered the cleric’s remand at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre.
Magistrate Happiness further directed that the original case file and all exhibits be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice and possible arraignment before a competent court.
According to the charge sheet, Bishop Ndubueze was accused of threatening the victim with a firearm and subjecting her to emotional and psychological trauma by distributing her nude images online.
One of the counts read that the defendant “had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim through threat and fraudulent representation,” contrary to Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State.
Another count alleged that he “knowingly transmitted pornographic materials through computer systems,” an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(I) of the Cybercrimes Act (2015, amended 2024).
He was also accused of violating Section 20(1) of the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, which prohibits emotional and psychological abuse through the distribution of indecent images.
Sources within the court revealed that the cleric appeared visibly distressed during the proceedings but entered no plea as the magistrate declined jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, legal analysts have described the case as another test of the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, particularly as it relates to digital exploitation and cyber-induced abuse.
As of press time, efforts to reach Bishop Ndubueze’s church members for comments proved unsuccessful, as the church premises remained under lock and key.
The case file has been officially transferred to the DPP for review and onward prosecution at the State High Court.
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