FCT Administration Vows Justice For 14-Year-Old Girl Allegedly R¶ped By Popular Abuja Pastor, Amos Isah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to ensure justice for a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by a prominent cleric, Pastor Amos Isah, founder of the Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Pastor Isah, who is currently in police custody, was accused of luring the minor into his office on May 26, where he allegedly raped her.
The victim, a Senior Secondary School II student and member of the church’s Media Unit, claimed she suffered severe injuries and excessive bleeding after the assault.
She further alleged that Pastor Isah gave her ₦3000 and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCTA, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the act and affirmed the administration’s zero tolerance for rape and all forms of gender-based violence in Abuja.
“FCT will not harbour or provide a safe haven for any paedophile, whoever he or she may be. We will ensure that justice is served at all times when the rights of our children are violated,” she declared.
Benjamins-Laniyi stressed that the FCTA’s commitment aligns with Section 1 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which guarantees the rights and protection of every Nigerian child.
She disclosed that the Secretariat is actively working with key stakeholders, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) FCT Chapter, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim, who oversees gender-related cases.
I have equally directed the Director of the Child Department of the Women’s Affairs Secretariat to visit the family of the victim. The director has met with them and assured them of the FCTA’s commitment to secure justice for their only daughter,” she added.
Benjamins-Laniyi also issued a stern warning to individuals sharing the survivor’s image on social media.
She particularly called out a social media influencer, Isaiah Gbangbala, for posting the victim’s photo on Facebook, describing it as an act of cyberbullying.
“The survivor and her parents are already traumatised, and negative social media campaigns are worsening their mental state. Legal action will be taken against anyone sharing her image online,” she cautioned.
According to her, the minor has been experiencing severe physical and emotional distress since the incident and had to be withdrawn from school to receive urgent medical care.
A Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rita Emesim, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and emphasised that rape is a federal offence requiring proper legal processes.
“We cannot charge a rape case to a Magistrate Court; it must go to a Federal High Court. It’s not just about charging a case to court; we need to ensure we have sufficient evidence for conviction,” Emesim explained.
She dismissed social media reports suggesting the suspect would be released without charges, insisting that due diligence was underway to build a solid case.
“The matter is being handled professionally and without prejudice. If Pastor Amos Isah is found guilty, he will face the full wrath of the law,” Emesim stated.
The FCTA has reiterated its unwavering stance against child sexual abuse, vowing that no perpetrator, regardless of status or influence, would be shielded from prosecution.
