Ebonyi: Children of Detained Archbishop Sam Okorie Appeal for His Release, Allege Orchestration, Misrepresentation

The children of Archbishop Prof. Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze Okorie, the Presiding Bishop of Champions of The Truth Church, Abakaliki, have issued an emotional public appeal seeking the intervention of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in securing the cleric’s release after weeks in detention.

In a statement signed by Daniel Chukwuebuka Ndubueze on behalf of the family, the children described their father’s continued detention as “unjust,” alleging that he is being held over accusations they say are rooted in “false narratives” and “misleading public commentary.” Archbishop Okorie was reportedly detained following allegations made publicly by one Euphemia Edeh during a podcast interview hosted by a social media personality known as Ebonyi Son. The family claims the interview generated widespread public criticism that has contributed to the cleric’s ordeal. According to the children, the narrative presented in the podcast does not reflect the true nature of the relationship between their father and Ms. Edeh. They allege that Archbishop Okorie had offered Edeh support for more than three years, including shelter and medical assistance during episodes of sickle cell crisis. They further claimed that a personal relationship later developed between their father and Ms. Edeh—an issue they say caused internal family strain—but insist that the matter is now being misrepresented and weaponized against him. The family also alleged that unnamed individuals with “malicious intentions” are using the situation to target the Archbishop and the ministry he leads. “Our father has made mistakes, and we have forgiven him,” the statement read. “But he is not the criminal he is being painted to be. We believe forces are at work to destroy his image and ministry.” Appealing directly to Governor Nwifuru, the family asked the state government and the public to ensure fairness and avoid what they described as “trial by public opinion.” They said Archbishop Okorie’s continued detention has left them distressed and financially strained, describing him as the family’s breadwinner and spiritual anchor. The statement concluded with a plea for “compassion, justice, and intervention,” urging the public to avoid hasty judgment and allow due process to take its course. Recall that Rev Onyeagoziri Ndubueze was reportedly arrested recently following a trending photo on social media where one Euphemia accused of sexual abuse As of the time of filing this report, authorities have not publicly responded to the family’s appeal, and the details of the ongoing investigation remain undisclosed.