A 16-year-old schoolgirl, Precious Okafor, has alleged that she was sexually abused by a pastor during a “deliverance” session in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The teenager made the allegation while speaking at the office of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) in Onitsha, where she was taken after being rescued by security operatives.
According to her account, she was brought from Lagos by a relative to her hometown for spiritual deliverance after claims that she needed prayer intervention. She said she was subsequently taken to the cleric’s residence and church for the exercise.
She alleged that during her stay, she was isolated and repeatedly abused by the cleric under the guise of spiritual deliverance. She also claimed she was restricted from leaving the premises and was unable to contact her family for help.
The victim said her situation came to light after security operatives acted on intelligence and raided a farm linked to the pastor, where she was found and taken into protective custody.
Officials of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency confirmed that the suspect was arrested during the operation and has since been transferred for further investigation. They added that the victim is currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
The accused cleric, identified as the General Overseer of a local ministry in Amichi, denied the allegations, claiming the matter was spiritual in nature and insisting the girl was brought to him for deliverance. He has, however, been taken into custody while investigations continue.
Authorities say the case is under active investigation
