The Federal Capital Territory Administration has pledged to ensure justice for a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by a Gwagwalada-based cleric, Pastor Amos Isah.
Amos Isah, the founder of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, is currently in police custody following a petition filed by the victim’s family.
The young girl, a secondary school student and member of the church’s media unit, accused Pastor Isah of luring her into his office and raping her on May 26.
The suspect reportedly gave her ₦3,000 afterward and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the assault.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated on Thursday that the administration considers the case a top priority and will not protect anyone accused of sexual violence.
In her statement, Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized the administration’s zero tolerance for rape, vowing that justice will be pursued without fear or favour.
“This commitment aligns with Section 1 of the Child Rights Act, 2003. The FCT will not shelter or protect any paedophile, no matter who they are when caught,” she said.
She reaffirmed that the FCTA is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and is firmly committed to eradicating all forms of gender-based violence and rape.
“Anyone found guilty of such acts, regardless of status, will be prosecuted and face the full force of the law,” she added.
She further noted that the Women Affairs Secretariat places special emphasis on the welfare of adolescent girls due to their vulnerability, stressing that the matter will be pursued diligently.
“This is a priority for us. We shall follow it through. Nobody will be shielded,” she said.
Benjamins-Laniyi also revealed that the secretariat is working with relevant bodies including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Director of Public Prosecution, and the FCT Police Gender Unit.
“I’ve met with the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim, who oversees Gender Affairs, all in a bid to secure justice for the survivor.”
She confirmed that the Director of the Child Department at the Women’s Affairs Secretariat had already visited the victim’s family and reassured them of the administration’s commitment.
The mandate secretary condemned any form of online harassment of the survivor, specifically calling out social media influencer Isaiah Gbangbala for publishing the girl’s photo.
“The survivor is not only dealing with emotional trauma but also facing serious health complications after the assault,” she said. “She experienced continuous bleeding, severe pain, and had to be pulled out of school and hospitalized for treatment.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim also assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court soon.
She debunked circulating claims that the police intended to release the suspect without trial, clarifying that rape is a federal offense. “This case cannot be charged to a Magistrate Court. It must go through a Federal High Court. And it’s not just about charging a case—we aim for conviction, and that requires thorough investigation and due process,” she stated.
Emesim added that the investigation is being conducted with fairness, but if the suspect is found guilty, he will face the consequences in full.