What was meant to be a day of celebration and love at the Light of God International Incorporated & Deliverance Ministries in Kakata quickly turned into a scene of chaos and confusion. Last Sunday, during a wedding ceremony, Apostle Ernest C. Ihejiemeonu, the founder and General Overseer of the church, was arrested in the middle of the service. The arrest, carried out by local police, left the congregation in shock and sparked a heated confrontation between church members and law enforcement.
The arrest was made under a warrant issued by Stipendiary Magistrate Cllr. Julius S. Brown of the Kakata Magisterial Court. The charges against Apostle Ihejiemeonu are serious and numerous: bigamy (being married to more than one person at the same time), menacing, felonious restraint, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. These charges stem from a complaint filed by Ihejiemeonu’s wife, who claims that her husband married another woman while still legally married to her.
According to the wife, the situation has been deeply distressing. She alleges that Ihejiemeonu not only denied her access to their shared home but also subjected her to physical abuse and public humiliation. She further claims that he threatened her with harm if she ever spoke out about his extramarital relationships. Fearing for her safety, she left their home and sought refuge elsewhere, eventually deciding to take legal action.
The authorities argue that Ihejiemeonu’s alleged actions violate several sections of Liberia’s New Penal Code, which are designed to protect public peace and moral conduct. His arrest was seen as necessary to address what they describe as a significant breach of these laws.
However, the arrest did not go smoothly. Church members, fiercely loyal to their pastor, resisted the police, leading to a tense standoff and physical altercations within the church. Emotions ran high as congregants tried to shield their spiritual leader from being taken away. Despite the resistance, the police were able to apprehend Ihejiemeonu, who was then taken to the Kakata Police Detachment for processing.
Ihejiemeonu is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges against him. When approached for comment, he declined to speak, stating that he is waiting for legal counsel before addressing the matter publicly.
This incident has left the community in Kakata divided and shaken. For many, it raises questions about trust, accountability, and the role of religious leaders in society. While some congregants stand firmly by their pastor, others are grappling with the serious allegations and the disruption of what was supposed to be a sacred and joyous occasion.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that even those in positions of spiritual authority must be held accountable for their actions. The coming days will likely bring more clarity to the situation, but for now, the community is left to reflect on the events that turned a wedding day into a day of turmoil.
Source: FPA
