A 60-year-old man, Boniface Onyekwere, has been banished by the Deeper Life Bible Church in Anambra over an alleged attempt to rape a 12-year-old girl.
The girl is said to have escaped from his grip by jumping over a fence when he tried to rape her.
Onyekwere was then arrested by the Anambra State Police Command and charged of attempted rape of a minor who was entrusted in his care.
Reacting, Deeper Life Anambra State Overseer, Pastor Jude Chukwuocha, said in a statement that Onyekwere was not a pastor or worker in any of its churches in the state.
The statement reads, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that one Mr Boniface Onyekwere-a 60-year-old man parading himself as a ‘Deeper Life Pastor’ is neither a pastor nor a church worker at any level in Deeper Life Bible Church, Awka, Anambra State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, he just attended Deeper Life Bible Church as a member. This fellow was placed on discipline by the leadership of Deeper Life Bible Church in Awka in August 2021, when he was implicated in the case of abuse and attempt to marry an underaged (16 years old) girl.
“In the light of this recent involvement in the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl, the general public should note the following: That Deeper Life Bible Church still emphasises the importance of holiness of life by all who professes faith in Christ Jesus.
“That Deeper Life Bible Church strongly and strictly calls all members of the church to live as shining lights in the world wherever they are found, therefore, must not be involved in any sinful actions, immorality in any form inclusive.
“Therefore, the fellow who goes by the name Boniface Onyekwere identified in the allegation of rape of a 12-year-old girl is hereby excommunicated from any branch of Deeper Life Bible Church.”
