Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a Celestial Church pastor, identified as Omogbolahan Israel Idowu, over allegations that he sexually abused his 16-year-old stepdaughter.
The arrest followed a petition filed by the Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), accusing the cleric of allegedly sexually abusing the teenager from the age of 14 and threatening to kill her if she exposed the abuse.
According to the petition, dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Shimawa Police Division in Ogun State, the alleged abuse began after the victim’s mother, Bukola Rachel Omogbolahan, married the suspect and moved with her children into his residence in the Ologbo Ark area of Shimawa.
The organisation alleged that the abuse continued even after the girl turned 16. It also claimed that Idowu threatened to kill her if she reported the incidents, leaving the teenager and her elder brother fearful for their safety.
In the petition, CDHR called on the police to investigate the allegations, ensure the children’s protection, and arrest and prosecute the suspect if found culpable. It also requested that the minors be referred to relevant child-protection and social-welfare agencies for appropriate assistance.
Providing an update on the matter, the organisation disclosed that the Shimawa DPO personally received and acknowledged the petition on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
It further stated that the police subsequently invited the suspect, his wife and another pastor from the Celestial Church for questioning. Following the collection of their statements, the suspect and the victim’s mother were reportedly detained.
CDHR added that the teenager was taken to Shimawa General Hospital on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, for medical examinations. The results were subsequently submitted to the police officers handling the investigation.
