The family of a female pastor, Esther Egbom, who was allegedly detained because the actual suspect, a member of her church could not be found, has demanded for her release.
Recounting the events surrounding the arrest, the family lamented that it has lingered for over a year without any formal charge in court.
“It was on the 11th of February 2025 that the ministry had their night prayers. After the prayers, some members decided to sleep in the ministry because it was late in the night.
“Around 2 a.m. on February 12, 2025, some uniformed DSS officers broke into the ministry, and started searching everywhere. They couldn’t see anything apart from the members who slept over. They took the pastor, Esther Egbom, and one of the female members away that night.The officers also collected eight phones belonging to members who slept in the ministry that night.
“An intensive search was mounted by some members of the ministry and family to locate her whereabouts, but all in vain.
“For weeks, there was silence; no official communication, no formal charges, and no access to the detained pastor.
“It was in May 2025 that we got information that she was in DSS custody in Abuja. It was gathered that the security outfit was searching for one Osonwa Ifeanyi, who they claim is an IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) member. They claim he attends the church. We learnt that that since they could not find him, they decided to arrest the church leader.
“Family members in Abuja visited the DSS office but they were not allowed to see her, saying they were not allowed within the vicinity.
“Even the lawyer was denied access to her and we do not know her whereabouts.”a close relative narrated.
It was gathered that the legal battle took a decisive turn when a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Kuje, Abuja, intervened.
“In Suit No. FCT/HC/M/4942/2025 between Mrs. Esther Egbom (Applicant) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State Security Services (SSS), also known as the DSS (Respondents), Hon. Justice Odunayo O. Bamodu, ordered the authorities to either formally charge her or release her.
“In documents seen by SaharaReporters, the enrolled court order, issued on September 24, 2025, stated that judgment was delivered in the matter on July 9, 2025, and that the following orders were made: “That the Respondents shall charge the Applicant in a court of competent jurisdiction within 42 hours of receipt of the order. Otherwise, the Respondents are ordered to release the Applicant forthwith,” the court ruled.
For the family, the ruling brought a flicker of hope, a belief that the long months of uncertainty might finally come to an end. However, they say that hope soon gave way to renewed frustration.
Despite the judgment, the legal team representing the applicant, Nnaemeka Ejiofor & Associates, approached the court seeking enforcement of the ruling, SaharaReporters learnt.
In a letter dated November 11, 2025, addressed to the Registrar of the F.C.T. High Court, Kuje, the lawyers wrote under the heading: ‘Re: Suit No. M/4942/2025 Between Mrs. Esther Egbom Vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria & 1 Or: Application for Production Warrant for the Purpose of Release.’
The letter stated, “We are lawyers on record to the applicant, following the Judgment of this Honourable Court on the 9th day of July, 2025 we caused same to be served upon the Respondents and same was acknowledged on the 21/10/2025 by the respondents.”
According to the lawyers, “the time given in the Judgment for the Respondents to either charge the applicant to court or release her had since elapsed.”
They consequently urged the court to enforce its decision, writing: “Consequently, we urge your lordship to give effect to your lordship Judgment by issuing a production warrant for the purpose of bringing the Applicant before your lordship’s presence and releasing her therefrom.”
They maintained that ‘the Judgment of this court has not been challenged in any manner whatsoever and therefore remains Sacrosanct.”
Earlier, in a separate letter dated April 4, 2025, and addressed to the Director General, SSS (DSS), Abuja, the family’s lawyers made what they described as a ‘Passionate Appeal Request for Lawyers and Relatives to Visit Mrs. Esther Egbom.”
The letter stated that Mrs. Egbom “has been in your (DSS) custody since 12th day of February 2025 when she was arrested from Aba, in Abia State and brought to Abuja and detained till date.”
Citing constitutional provisions, the lawyers wrote: “Sir, may we remind your good offices that it is the constitutional right of Mrs. Esther Egbom to have access to a lawyer of her choice, see S.36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution.”
They also referenced the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stating that the law “enjoins your office as the arresting and detaining authority to inform her of her right to consult a lawyer of her choice as well as notify her next of kin or relative of her arrest and whereabouts.”
The family requested, among other prayers: “To allow Mrs Esther Egbom access to see her lawyers; Nnaemeka Ejiofor Esq. The under signed and to allow Mrs. Esther Egbom access to her Family members.”
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had not issued an official response regarding compliance with the court’s directive, and the victim, Esther Egbom, remains in custody without access by family members or lawyers.
The family is now demanding that the DSS comply with the court orders mandating her release. They are also requesting access to Egbom while the security agency prepares any charges, if such charges exist.
