Bishop Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze has been remanded in Abakaliki Correctional Centre over alleged sexual assault and circulation of pornographic materials

Bishop Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze, Spiritual Head of Champion Cathedral in Ebonyi State, has been ordered to be remanded in the Abakaliki Correctional Centre over allegations of sexual assault, threats, and circulation of pornographic materials.

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The embattled cleric was arraigned on Tuesday before Magistrates’ Court 2, Abakaliki, on a four-count charge bordering on unlawful carnal knowledge, threats, false representation, and emotional abuse — offences said to contravene the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2018 and other related laws amended in 2024.

Ruling on the matter, trial magistrate Mrs Chima Nkechi Happiness ordered the remand of the accused, noting that the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

She directed that the case file, evidence, and all relevant documents be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further legal action.

According to charge sheet No. 547C/2025, the Bishop Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze was accused of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a female (name withheld) at Mile 50 Layout, Abakaliki, in 2021, allegedly obtaining her consent through threats and deceit — an offence punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State.

The second count alleged that the cleric threatened the victim’s life with a gun, causing extreme fear, contrary to Section 12(1)(a)(b) of the Ebonyi State Internal Security Enforcement and Related Matters Law 2009.

In the third count, Ndubueze was accused of sending pornographic content using a computer system, contrary to Section 24(2)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.

The fourth count alleged that he emotionally and psychologically abused the victim by circulating her nude photographs on social media — an offence under Section 20(1) of the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2018.

It was gathered that the victim was allegedly lured into the act after the cleric promised to heal her of sickle cell disease.

The trial magistrate subsequently adjourned the matter to November 4, 2025, for further hearing.

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The case has since drawn public attention in Ebonyi State, with residents calling for justice and urging authorities to ensure a fair and transparent prosecution.