OGUN POLICE DETAIN CELESTIAL CHURCH PASTOR OVER ALLEGED SEXUAL ABUSE OF 16-YEAR-OLD STEPDAUGHTER

By NaijaParrot | October 31, 2026 

Shimawa, Ogun State, Nigeria 

 The Ogun State Police Command has reportedly detained a Celestial Church pastor, identified as Omogbolahan Israel Idowu, following allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused his 16-year-old stepdaughter over a period of approximately two years. The disturbing allegations were brought to the attention of the police through a petition submitted by the Lagos State branch of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR). 

 According to a report by SaharaReporters, the organization accused the cleric of sexually abusing the teenager from the age of 14 and allegedly threatening to kill her if she disclosed the incidents to anyone. The petition, dated October 26, 2026, was reportedly addressed to the Divisional Police Officer of the Shimawa Police Division in Ogun State.

According to the petition, the alleged abuse began after the teenager’s mother, identified as 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.  

CDHR further claimed that the suspect allegedly threatened the teenager with death if she reported the incidents, leaving her and her elder brother fearful for their safety. The organization said the alleged threats made it difficult for the teenager to speak out about what she was experiencing. 

 Providing an update on the petition, CDHR reportedly disclosed that the police invited the suspect, the victim’s mother and another pastor associated with the Celestial Church for questioning. Following the collection of their statements, the suspect and the teenager’s mother were reportedly detained. 

 The organization said the police had commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine the appropriate legal action. 

 As part of the investigation, the teenager was reportedly taken to Shimawa General Hospital on October 28, 2026, for medical examinations. CDHR disclosed that the medical examination results were subsequently handed over to the investigating police officers. 

 The organisation said the case files were transferred to the Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran on October 30 before the matter was moved to the D3 Gender Unit at Oke-Ilewo for further investigation. 

 The human rights organization further alleged that Idowu made statements during police questioning acknowledging sexual contact with the teenager. CDHR quoted the suspect as allegedly telling investigators that the contact occurred on two occasions. 

 However, the reported account remains an allegation contained in the organization's update and should not be treated as a court-established finding. The suspect was reportedly still in police custody as of the latest update, while CDHR said it would be informed when the investigation was concluded and the suspect’s arraignment became necessary. 

 The case has renewed concerns about the protection of children from sexual abuse, particularly within homes and environments where minors should ordinarily feel safe. Child protection advocates continue to stress the importance of taking allegations of sexual abuse seriously, ensuring that victims receive appropriate medical and psychological support, and allowing law enforcement agencies to investigate without intimidation. 

 The teenager’s identity remains protected in this report because she is a minor and an alleged victim of sexual abuse. The suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

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