Victims of a pastor’s arrest in Oklahoma have given terrifying stories of harassment and violence.#Oklahoma #MidwestCityOK #News #Crime
The arrest of a pastor in Midwestern City, Oklahoma, on serious charges of sexual abuse and kidnapping related to his cleaning business has put him in the public front this week. As victims come forward with reports of harassment that lasted for several months, the charges present a concerning picture.
The Pastor, His Business, and the Allegations
For almost 15 years, Enoch Ankiwale, a pastor at Midwest City’s Redeemed Christian Church of God Oasis of Love Parish, has run Bakafe LLC, a cleaning business. Victims reported occurrences as recently as November, turning what started off as a routine commercial agreement into charges of predatory behavior.
According to court documents, several women accused Ankiwale of harassing them when they were employed by his cleaning company; some of them claimed to have known other women who left because of similar situations.
While cleaning an apartment complex run by Willowbrook Construction Services, one victim had an unsettling experience. She claimed that Ankiwale specifically rejected her husband for a job and insisted on recruiting Hispanic ladies who did not understand English.
The same woman described how, while she was working, Ankiwale came up behind her, groped her, and said offensive things. Soon after, she resigned.
The experience of another victim was even more terrifying. She said Ankiwale ignored her repeated protests, trapped her in the shower, and followed her into an apartment. She claimed he repeatedly touched her, shoved her against the sink, and stopped her attempts to get away. She even elbowed him to try to push him away, but he held her back.
This victim also called Ankiwale’s actions “obscene and explicit,” stating that he kept saying Durex, a popular brand of condom, while licking his lips. By his words and deeds, she thought he was trying to solicit sex.
Apologies Through Text Messages
Police received text messages purportedly sent by Ankiwale from a number of victims.
One victim claimed that he kept sending texts that said, “Sorry, sorry,” and that these messages contained numerous apologies.
As additional people are anticipated to come forward, authorities are still looking into the matter.
Fallout and Legal Action
According to the records, Ankiwale’s cleaning company was hired by Willowbrook Construction Services. A Willowbrook spokesman responded by saying that in view of these accusations, any future affiliations with him would be reexamined.
When news crews arrived at a location connected to Ankiwale’s cleaning company, Funke Ankiwale, his wife, answered the door.
He’s not here, and we need to speak with our lawyer, she said, declining to elaborate.
Arrest and Release
Ankiwale was taken into custody by Oklahoma City police on Monday and charged with one crime of kidnapping and two charges of sexual violence. He posted a $75,000 bond and was freed 24 hours later.
There are still unanswered issues regarding the scope of the alleged misbehavior and the potential number of other victims as the investigation progresses.
RELATED TOPICS: Oklahoma, Faith, and Crime
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