Pastor in Police Net over Death of Mother of Four

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

A pastor with the Christ Chosen Church of God, Ngbeken Elvis, is cooling his heels with the police in Evbotubu, Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, over the death of a mother of four children simply identified as Mama Sarah.

The late woman, aged 38, died as a result of the abortion she procured from the pregnancy she had for the pastor.

Both of them were said to have been in a secret relationship for over six months, while the woman’s husband resides overseas.

The pastor and his late woman lover live in the same house built for the family at Okhokhugbo community in Egor LGA.

Mama Sarah was said to have died at a hospital where she was rushed to after the abortion failed.

Pastor Elvis, aged 32, who is currently in police custody, confessed he was suspended from the church over marital issues.

He said his wife was in the habit of always fighting him since they got married in December, 2016.

The pastor said the church suspended him because he could not settle problems he had with his wife.

What compounded his woes was that the family of the husband of Mama Sarah’s was demanding refund of the bride price they paid.

They have also demanded that Pastor Elvis should take care of the burial expenses after performing the marriage rites.

Pastor Elvis told reporters that his late lover used to give him N2000 with which he used to run errands for her.

According to him, “I was just posted to Okhokhugbo branch when I got suspended because of my marriage. I know this Mama Sarah when she was ill. I prayed for her and she promised to reward me.

“We started dating but the children were not aware. When one of her daughters wanted to raise suspicion after some neighbours questioned my continued visit to their house, she threatened to throw her out of the house.

“She asked me to move into their house three months ago before I could get an apartment and I was staying there. I am an orphan. I didn’t plan to get into this mess.

“She didn’t tell me she was pregnant. I was not aware she went to procure abortion. I am really ashamed. I prayed God to forgive me. I am now remorseful. She used to give me N1000 or N2000 to run errands for her,” the pastor said.