A 31-year-old student pastor in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

The suspect, Pastor Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel, was apprehended with the assistance of Behind Bars Defenders, Abia State office. Reports indicate that the victim reportedly contracted an infection following the alleged abuse.

According to a press statement from Ochiegbu Marvelous, Director of Behind Bars Defenders, and the organization’s Public Relations Officer, Nony Philip, the incident was reported by the victim’s mother.

“Acting swiftly, the organization reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division, who ensured the suspect’s prompt arrest on November 6, 2025,” the statement said.

Following his arrest, Pastor Gabriel was transferred to the Gender Desk Unit at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Umuahia for proper investigation and prosecution.

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

The Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the case was initially reported to the Ubakala Police Division and later transferred to the Gender Section at the State Criminal Investigation Department, where further investigations are ongoing.