Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A legal dispute involving Omega Fire Ministries and the founder and General Overseer of Turning Point Ministry, Pastor Azemeh Azena, has taken a fresh turn following the appearance of a church member before the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.
The church member honoured a police invitation over allegations of criminal breach of trust and financial misconduct, marking a significant development in the ongoing matter.
Speaking shortly after returning from Abuja, counsel to the accused, Charles Ikogu, expressed gratitude to God for a safe journey and commended the police for what he described as a professional, transparent, and impartial investigation.
Ikogu disclosed that the police invitation, which had earlier been announced through a press statement, was voluntarily honoured by his client as a demonstration of respect for constituted authority and confidence in the rule of law.
“Our client has always been a law-abiding citizen. We made it clear from the beginning that this was simply an invitation by the police, and he honoured it accordingly,” the lawyer stated.
He revealed that during the investigation, it became evident that the petition before the police originated from Omega Fire Ministries.
He identified the petitioners as a pastor identified as Courage, a deacon known as Harry, and another individual, Cassey, who allegedly described himself as a whistleblower.
The lawyer, however, questioned Cassey’s involvement in the matter, arguing that he is neither a member nor a pastor of Omega Fire Ministries and is not part of the church’s Board of Trustees.
“We believe the police understand their responsibilities and will act strictly in accordance with the law. We have confidence in the investigative process,” he said.
The legal counsel disclosed that after responding to questions from investigators, his client was granted administrative bail and has since returned home.
He added that all parties are expected to return to Abuja for further deliberations as the investigation continues.
Addressing questions from journalists on the nature of the allegations, the lawyer said the petition accuses his client of criminal breach of trust, providing false information, and misappropriation of funds.
According to him, the petition was formally read to his client during the interrogation, after which they presented their defence and supporting facts to investigators.
“The police are currently examining all the issues raised. We are confident that due process will prevail and that the rule of law will ultimately take its course,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the Nigeria Police expected to conclude its findings after hearing from all parties involved.
Both the defence and the petitioners have indicated their readiness to cooperate fully with the authorities as the matter progresses.
