The Aba community in Abia State has been left reeling from a deeply unsettling incident that has shattered the lives of those involved.
A 43-year-old married church evangelist, Happiness Echieze, and mother of five, met a tragic end within the confines of a hotel room, entangled in a circumstance that has rocked the foundations of trust and faith.
Happiness Echieze was associated with the Agape Evangelical Ministry at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa LGA.
The circumstances surrounding her death indicate that she was engaged in an alleged marathon sexual encounter with her church Overseer, Timothy Otu, within a Guest House situated in the Ovom area of Aba metropolis.
Reports suggest that the deceased sought solace in the embrace of her church Bishop due to the apparent absence of her husband, who was reportedly away on work-related duties.
The chain of events leading up to the tragic discovery began when she checked into the hotel with the Bishop and General Overseer of their church.
The grim discovery of the evangelist's lifeless body in the hotel room on Saturday, August 12, 2023, sent shockwaves throughout the community.
It was discovered that she had informed her children she was attending a "Tarry Night" church service, which typically concludes late Saturday night.
The reasons for her overnight stay at the Guest House remain unclear.
The case took a disturbing turn when the Bishop appeared at the hotel's front desk, visibly distressed and explaining his late-night quest for food.
This unusual behavior led to an investigation by the hotel staff, culminating in the unsettling discovery of the lifeless evangelist on the hotel bed, unclothed and with signs of foam around her mouth and nose.
The incident prompted the hotel manager to report the situation to the Eastern Ngwa Police Station, ultimately leading to the arrest of the Bishop.
Investigations into the evangelist's mobile phone unveiled a romantic relationship between her and the Bishop, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic narrative.
The Bishop was arrested while preaching at his church on the fateful Sunday morning. He is currently in custody, facing intense questioning regarding the incident.
The Abia State Police Command has initiated a preliminary investigation, with the deceased's body sent for autopsy examination and the case transferred to the State CID for further scrutiny.