By Joy Yesufu
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa on Thursday ordered the remand of a 39-year-old church founder accused of raping a 14-year-old member of his congregation.
Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi directed that Pastor Amos Isah, founder of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, be held in custody pending the submission of records relating to an earlier bail granted to him.
Isah pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge including rape, sexual exploitation, coercion, emotional and psychological abuse, gross indecency, and abduction of a minor.
The prosecution told the court that the teenager, a member of the church located in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, was allegedly lured into a newly constructed auditorium on May 26, 2025.
According to the charge sheet marked FCT/HC/CR/467/2024, the cleric locked the doors and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the minor without her consent.
“You lured one B.Z.J. (14 years old) into your office… and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her without her consent,” part of the charge read. “You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 31(1) of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003.”
The court further heard that after the alleged assault, the defendant gave the victim ₦3,000 to buy medication and threatened to kill her and her family members if she spoke out.
The prosecution also argued that the acts amounted to gross indecency without consent under the Penal Code.
Justice Osho-Adebiyi adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
