Nigerian pastor arrested for allegedly hacking wife to death

Tragedy struck in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as police operatives arrested a 42-year-old pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victor Okoh, for allegedly hacking his wife, Victoria Okoh, to death with a cutlass.

The gruesome incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 10, 2025, at Effiong Essang Street. According to reports, the pastor accused his 38-year-old wife of infidelity before launching the brutal attack.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Akwa Ibom State, DSP Timfon John, stated that the suspect is currently in police custody while the victim’s body has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

According to eyewitnesses, the couple had a heated argument the night before, during which Pastor Okoh reportedly ordered his wife to leave their home and return to her parents’ house. However, he later called her back inside, leaving neighbors uncertain about what transpired afterward.

The attack reportedly took place around 5:20 a.m. Neighbors, alarmed by Victoria’s cries for help, attempted to intervene but were unable to access the house as the pastor had locked the main entrance and external protector. Unable to reach her, they immediately alerted the police.

Upon arrival, officers forced their way into the house, only to discover Victoria’s lifeless and mutilated body. The suspected murder weapon, a bloodstained cutlass, was recovered as evidence.

In a bid to evade arrest, Pastor Okoh allegedly hid in the ceiling but was eventually found and apprehended.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, strongly condemned the act, assuring the public that justice would be served. He also urged residents to resolve disputes through peaceful and legal means rather than resorting to violence.

The police have launched a full-scale investigation, and Pastor Okoh will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of inquiries into the murder.