“Owner of the Universe” Captured: Evangelist Apollo Quiboloy Arrested on Charges of Sex Trafficking and Abuse
In a dramatic turn of events, Apollo Quiboloy, an influential Filipino evangelist who proclaimed himself the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of God,” has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. Authorities confirmed the arrest on Sunday, marking the end of a months-long manhunt. Quiboloy, who boasts millions of followers as the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), has repeatedly denied the allegations. Yet, his arrest raises significant questions about the intersection of faith, power, and exploitation, as the details of the case continue to unfold.
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The gravity of the charges against Quiboloy extends beyond the Philippines, as he is also on the FBI’s “most wanted” list in the United States for sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling. Despite his self-proclaimed divine status, Quiboloy’s empire is now under scrutiny for a series of deeply disturbing allegations that include child abuse, trafficking, and manipulation of his followers. The arrest occurred after over 2,000 police officers were deployed to search his compound in Davao City, where rumors had circulated for weeks that he was hiding in a secret bunker. Philippine police spokesperson Jean Fajardo confirmed his capture and noted that the evangelist, along with four co-accused, surrendered after a 24-hour ultimatum was issued by authorities.
Quiboloy’s influence in the Philippines has long extended beyond his religious teachings, as he maintained close ties to political figures, most notably former president Rodrigo Duterte. His arrest not only shakes the foundations of his religious empire but also challenges the broader role of religious leaders in Philippine society, where figures like Quiboloy wield significant political and social clout. As Quiboloy faces justice, the case is poised to reverberate across both the religious and political landscape, leaving many to wonder how a man once revered by millions fell from grace so spectacularly.
