By Nkechinyere Ewa
A leading sickle cell advocate, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, has withdrawn her petition against Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri Okorie, who was earlier accused of sexually exploiting a sickle cell patient, identified as Euphemia, over a five-year period.
The cleric, who has been in police custody for two weeks, was accused by the patient of sleeping with her under the pretext of providing a spiritual cure for her condition.
Maduagwu, who initially petitioned the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, and Governor Francis Nwifuru for the Bishop’s prosecution, has now made a dramatic U-turn, alleging that the case was tainted by “insincerity, deceit, and blackmail.”
She claimed that her findings revealed that the accuser was being sponsored by a businessman, a politician, and another cleric, and that she was exploiting the sickle cell community for sympathy.
“After my investigations and testimonies from various quarters, I am withdrawing my initial report against the Bishop and providing clarity to promote understanding and healing,” Maduagwu said in a public statement.
The National Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) explained that Bishop Okorie personally apologized to her in the presence of his lawyer and police officers, adding that she had forgiven him and accepted his apology.
Her independent investigation, she noted, revealed that the Bishop and the accuser had entered into a consensual relationship in 2022 after she was introduced to him by her family. Maduagwu further claimed that the woman’s father had pressured the Bishop to impregnate her due to her being the only surviving child with sickle cell disorder in their family.
She detailed how the Bishop had supported the woman financially and medically, including purchasing a mini-bus for her school runs, paying her monthly allowance, sponsoring her education, and even donating blood to her during treatment.
“These efforts reflect his commitment to her well-being despite her health challenges,” she said.
Maduagwu also alleged that the relationship strained the Bishop’s family life, as the young woman reportedly wielded significant influence over him and his ministry.
She dismissed claims that the Bishop used threats or weapons against the woman, stating that all their interactions were consensual and that the leaked nude photos were likely stolen from the Bishop’s phone.
“It’s unfortunate how media platforms rush to publish one-sided stories without verifying facts. Responsible journalism demands hearing from all parties,” Maduagwu cautioned.
Her withdrawal of the petition marks a major twist in a scandal that has rocked parts of Ebonyi’s Christian community, raising new questions about truth, consent, and media ethics in high-profile moral controversies.
