An alarming incident has rocked Umudike Village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a woman, Mrs. Okoli, finds herself embroiled in turmoil following the tragic demise of her 12-year-old child. The child, named Chidozie Okoli, was entrusted to a pastor of the Christ Holy Church, also known as Odozi Obodo, by his mother without her husband’s knowledge or approval.
The distressing ordeal unfolded in Mbanọ, Imo State, where the pastor, operating a ‘Deliverance Ministry’, resided. Mrs. Okoli, reportedly influenced by a purported vision and prophecy from the pastor, delivered her child into his care, unbeknownst to her husband.
Mr. Marcel Okoli, the father of the deceased child, recounted the distressing events that unfolded over the past two years. His wife’s unilateral decision to hand over their son to the pastor without consultation sparked tension within the family. Despite Mr. Okoli’s efforts to retrieve his son and communicate with the pastor, his wife remained obstinate, asserting that the pastor provided a safe haven for their child.
Tragically, news of Chidozie’s demise reached Mr. Okoli through a distressing phone call early one morning. His son had allegedly been accused of theft and subjected to severe beatings, resulting in his untimely death. Adding to the anguish, the pastor returned Chidozie’s lifeless body to the family without any accompanying relatives or explanation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mr. Okoli convened a community meeting, seeking counsel and support from his kinsmen. Subsequently, the matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the pastor’s detention and his wife’s temporary relocation to her father’s home as investigations continue.
Examinations of Chidozie’s body revealed harrowing evidence of physical trauma, including missing toes and various injuries. The pastor admitted to using excessive force during the punishment, unaware of the fatal consequences.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, condemned the heinous act, pledging governmental intervention to ensure justice for the deceased child. She called for the immediate arrest of both the pastor and Mrs. Okoli, cautioning against blind adherence to religious figures.
Efforts to obtain further information from the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful at the time of this report.