A 31-year-old student pastor, identified as Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, has been arrested in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

The arrest was facilitated with the help of Behind Bars Defenders, Abia State office, after the victim’s mother reported the incident. It was further alleged that the girl became infected following the act.

According to a press statement by Ochiegbu Marvelous, Director of Behind Bars Defenders, and the organization’s Public Relations Officer, Nony Philip, the matter was promptly reported to the Divisional Police Officer of Ubakala Division, who ensured Gabriel’s arrest on November 6, 2025.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the Gender Desk Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Umuahia for further investigation and prosecution.

Behind Bars Defenders condemned all forms of defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, urging the Abia State government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.

DSP Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, confirmed that the case was reported to the Ubakala Police Station, and a preliminary investigation was conducted before the matter was transferred to the Gender Section at SCID, where further investigations are ongoing.