Police in Nasarawa have arrested a 37-year-old cleric, Pastor Asonye Isaiah, over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl in Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday morning.
Police said the arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Karshi Division of the Police on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The statement partly read, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “possessed” and required cleansing at a river.
“He instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice.”
The PPRO further stated that the suspect further threatened to kill the minor if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
“The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her.
“The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration,” Nansel stated further.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency during interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.
