An Abuja pastor is in police custody facing rape charges after allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old member of his congregation, prompting the Federal Capital Territory Administration to declare unwavering commitment to prosecuting child sexual abuse cases.
Pastor Amos Isah, founder and lead pastor of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry in Gwagwalada, was arrested following a petition filed by the victim and her parents alleging the cleric raped the teenager in his office on May 26.
The case has drawn high-level attention from FCT officials, with the Women Affairs Secretariat taking the lead in ensuring justice for the survivor. Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, stated the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on rape and child abuse.
“FCT will not harbour and provide a safe haven for any paedophile, whoever he or she may be when caught,” Benjamins-Laniyi stated. “We will ensure that justice is served at all times when the rights of our children are violated.”
The victim, a Senior Secondary School II student who served in the church’s Media Unit, alleges that Isah lured her into his office before the assault. She reported that the attack caused her hymen to break, leading to severe bleeding and ongoing health complications that forced her to miss school for medical treatment.
According to the victim’s account, the pastor gave her N3,000 after the incident and threatened to kill her if she disclosed what happened.
The case has been complicated by social media campaigns, with officials warning against sharing the victim’s image online. Benjamins-Laniyi specifically called out social media influencer Isaiah Gbangbala for posting the survivor’s picture on Facebook, describing it as cyberbullying that further traumatises the family.
“The survivor is not only traumatised but also facing serious health challenges after the incident,” the mandate secretary noted, adding that the girl and her parents are struggling with negative social media attention compounding their ordeal.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim, who heads the Gender Unit, confirmed that charges would be filed imminently, dismissing social media speculation about a potential release of the suspect. She said that rape cases require careful preparation for Federal High Court prosecution.
“This is a rape case and rape is a federal offence. We cannot charge a rape case to a Magistrate Court. It has to be in a Federal High Court,” Emesim explained, noting that a thorough investigation is necessary to secure a conviction.
The FCT Administration has mobilised multiple agencies in pursuit of justice, including consultations with the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria leadership, as well as coordination with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
Officials stressed that the case reflects a broader commitment to protecting vulnerable children, with Benjamins-Laniyi noting that adolescent girls receive priority attention due to their developmental vulnerability.
“Nobody will be covered,” she assured residents, warning that legal action awaits anyone involved in perpetrating or covering up such crimes, regardless of their social standing.
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