Speaking from his detention cell at Kakata Central Prison, Nigerian pastor Apostle Ernest Ihejiemeonu has denied allegations of sexual misconduct involving a teenage girl and accused police of mishandling and escalating the case against him.
Ihejiemeonu, 46, head of The Light of God International Ministry in the Green Hill community, was charged by police with statutory rape, sexual abuse of a ward, criminal solicitation and criminal facilitation. He was remanded pending court proceedings and a possible indictment by the grand jury of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court.
In a message addressed to his followers, Ihejimeonu described the accusations as the fourth attempt by unnamed individuals to "bring down" him and his ministry. He also criticized what he termed a lack of investigative diligence by journalists covering the matter.
According to the pastor, the alleged rape victim was arrested on Feb. 9, 2026, over what he characterized as a "sex scandal" allegation. He claimed that upon arrival at the police station, she failed to substantiate her claims and that she and her associates subsequently reduced her stated age from 22 to 17, prompting the case to shift to rape allegations.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Ihejiemeonu further alleged that police investigations revealed the girl had participated in the 2023 elections and possessed a voter's card -- a detail he argues contradicts claims that she was underage. He also claimed that from Feb. 10, 2026 until the case was taken to court, the alleged victim did not personally appear, except for an uncle whom he said was aligned with her team.
Police, however, maintain that the charges stem from allegations that the pastor engaged in sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl and later provided money to facilitate an abortion. Investigators allege that the case came to light after the girl informed her parents that Ihejiemeonu was responsible for her pregnancy.
Authorities say they obtained digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages and audio recordings, allegedly linking the pastor to discussions about terminating the pregnancy. Police further allege that he transferred more than LD$20,000 to the girl.
Under Liberia's New Penal Law, statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a person under 18 and is classified as a felony offense punishable by imprisonment upon conviction.
Police also stated that Ihejimeonu's wife brought the teenager to Kakata Police Station on Feb. 7, accusing her of attempting to damage her husband's reputation. The girl later provided information that triggered the criminal investigation, according to authorities.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Investigators further allege that during the 2023 election period, Ihejiemeonu transported the minor to Lofa County under the pretext of attending a church event, and that the trip may have been linked to voter registration activities. Authorities maintain the girl was below the legal voting age at the time.
In addition to leading The Light of God International Ministry, Ihejiemeonu works as a geography teacher at Lango Lippaye High School and other schools in Kakata, police confirmed.
Meanwhile, women's rights advocates and child protection groups are calling for a fair and transparent trial, citing Liberia's Children's Law, which guarantees protection for minors against sexual exploitation and abuse.
Margibi County Gender Coordinator Danielton Assilton urged all parties to cooperate with the judicial process, noting that pre-trial detention does not determine guilt and that complainants must pursue cases in court to ensure justice is served.
From jail, Ihejiemeonu has urged members of his church to remain steadfast, insisting that the truth will prevail as the legal process unfolds.
