The Rivers State Government has taken over the prosecution of Pastor Felix Duruebube accused of defiling a sixteen-year-old girl.
The office of the state Attorney General and commissioner of Justice will now be in charge.
The cleric who was arraigned before a magistrate court in June is facing a two-count-charge of defilement and forcing a girl to take an oath with him.
Pastor Duruebube who had denied the allegations will be back in court on August 28, 2022.
The State Police Command was in charge of the matter.