A Celestial Church pastor in Ogun State, Pastor Omogbolahan Israel Idowu, has been detained by the police over allegations that he sexually abused his 16-year-old stepdaughter and threatened to kill her if she exposed him.
The suspect’s detention followed a petition by the Lagos State branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), which accused him of repeatedly molesting the teenager from the age of 14.
In a petition dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to the Divisional Police Officer of Shimawa Police Division, the organisation said the alleged abuse began after the victim’s mother, Bukola Rachel Omogbolahan, married Pastor Omogbolahan Israel Idowu and moved with her children into his residence in the Ologbo Ark area of Shimawa.
According to CDHR, the alleged sexual abuse continued even after the girl turned 16, with the pastor allegedly threatening to kill her if she told anyone about his actions.
The threats reportedly left the teenager and her elder brother living in fear for their safety.
The rights group called on the police to investigate the allegations, protect the children, and prosecute the suspect if found culpable. It also requested that the minors be referred to appropriate child-protection and social-welfare agencies.
CDHR said the petition was received and acknowledged personally by the Shimawa DPO on Tuesday, October 27.
Following the complaint, the police reportedly invited Idowu, his wife and another Celestial Church pastor for questioning.
The suspect and the victim’s mother were subsequently detained after their statements were obtained.
The teenager was also taken to Shimawa General Hospital on Wednesday, October 28, for medical examinations, with the results handed over to the investigating officers, according to the organisation.
The case was later transferred to the Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran on Friday, October 30, before being moved to the D3 Gender Unit in Oke-Ilewo.
CDHR further claimed that Idowu admitted to having sexual contact with the teenager during questioning at the gender unit.
The organisation quoted the suspect as telling investigators that he had “only fingered her (name withheld) once and only had sex with her once.”
He reportedly remained in police custody as investigations continued.
CDHR said the police had promised to inform it of the date and time of the suspect’s arraignment after the investigation was concluded.
The organisation cited provisions of the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Ogun State Child Rights Law in demanding justice for the teenager.
It also expressed concern over the safety of the victim and her elder brother, given the alleged death threats, adding that it remained ready to provide further information and produce witnesses whenever required by the police.
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