A pastor, Chidiebere Okoroafor, who serves as the General Overseer of the Altar of Solution and Healing Assembly in Oyigbo, Rivers State, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a High Court in Port Harcourt. The court found him guilty of the murder of his choir mistress, Orlunma Nwagba, whom he allegedly impregnated.
Additionally, Okoroafor faced murder charges for the killing of Nwagba’s friend, Chigozie Ezenwa, and her eleven-month-old daughter, Cresabel, on December 11, 2017, in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.
The trial judge, S.O. Benson, based the verdict on the evidence and confessional statements provided by the pastor, which indicated his involvement in the crimes.
Justice Benson ruled in favor of the prosecution, affirming that the case of murder against the cleric had been proven. The judge ordered that Okoroafor be executed by hanging until death or by lethal injection for a faster demise. It was reported that the women had visited the pastor’s house for a discussion regarding the alleged pregnancy when he lured them into a secluded area and committed the acts at two different locations.
The arrest of Okoroafor by the Rivers State Police Command took place on December 17, 2017, following an alert raised by Ezenwa’s husband regarding the killings of the three individuals.
After the court proceedings, the prosecution counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, expressed satisfaction with the judgment. Despite facing numerous threats during the trial, Ordu was pleased that justice had prevailed. He stated, “This verdict serves justice to the state, the complainant, and the convict. It will serve as a deterrent to those who may contemplate committing similar offenses, as justice is upheld for all.”
In response, the defendant’s counsel, Innocent Ekwu, announced their decision to appeal the judgment. Ekwu emphasized that they would promptly file a notice of appeal, as they firmly believed in the defendant’s innocence and had solid grounds to challenge the verdict.