Joy Anyim
A 54-year-old Bishop, Stephanos Lucky Enofe, who recently married a 15-year-old girl (name withheld), in Lagos State, has been arrested by operatives of the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the state’s police command, in Yaba.
It was gathered that Enofe, the founder of the Spirit Of Grace (SOG) Ministry, at No. 8 Makinde Street, Idi-Oro area, Mushin in Lagos State, had been engaging the teenager in courtship since age 12.
The suspect, a father of four, had allegedly impregnated the girl, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) 2 student during the COVID-19 lockdown, and in a bid to cover his shenanigans, opted to marry her.
The parent of the survivor, also members of the church, had allegedly consented to the illegal marriage, as bride prize was paid in August and the girl asked to move in with the Bishop.
The Nigerian Xpress learnt that the suspect’s first wife, who discovered the cruel act three years ago, had moved out of his house, refusing to return to him despite attempts to reconcile the couple.
Prior to his arrest, Enofe had also perfected plans to wed the girl in his church come September 15.
The survivor’s parent were also arrested alongside a family member said to have consented to the child marriage.
New Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest of the suspects saying, “Yes, the command is aware of the case and the Commissioner of Police Lagos State CP Hakeem Odumosu has ordered that the matter be thoroughly investigated by SCID.
“The order was hinged on the need to promote decency and due enforcement of laws to achieve adequate security for all and sundry.”
