The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has scheduled 13 October 2025 for the hearing of an application seeking special protective measures for an alleged 14-year-old rape victim who is to testify against an Abuja-based pastor accused of sexually assaulting her. Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, who is presiding over the case, stated she would hear the application on that date and deliver an immediate ruling, with the trial potentially commencing the same day.
Background of the Case
The defendant, Prophet Isah, founder and General Overseer of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International in Gwagwalada, Abuja, faces eight charges including rape of a 14-year-old church member, child abduction, sexual exploitation, and related offences. He was arrested in June 2025 after the alleged rape of the minor, who was a member of the media unit of his church. Initially arraigned in July 2025 on four counts, the case stalled before being reassigned to Justice Osho-Adebiyi. On 14 May 2025, the prosecution re-arraigned him on an amended eight-count charge.
Bail Conditions
On 26 May 2025, Justice Osho-Adebiyi granted Isah bail under stringent conditions: a N50 million bond with two sureties who must be heads of Pentecostal churches. This replaced the earlier N5 million bail granted by a previous judge. The court then adjourned for the prosecution to present its first witness, the child complainant.
Proceedings on Tuesday
When the case came up on Tuesday, both Isah and the teenager (whose identity is withheld to prevent stigmatisation) were present. Prosecution lawyer Aderonke Imana from the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the prosecution had filed an application for witness protection. Defence counsel O.U. Sule, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said he had not received the application. After verifying the service address, the judge found it differed from the one in earlier filings. The prosecution then handed a copy to Sule, who requested time to respond.
Protective Measures Sought
In the application filed on 25 September 2025, the prosecution requests the court to order special measures for the child’s testimony, including testifying via video link, behind a screen, or other method deemed fit; conducting proceedings in camera, excluding the public and press; and prohibiting publication of the child’s name, image, or identifying information. The prosecution argues that the complainant is a minor requiring special protection under Nigerian law, and that open testimony could expose her to intimidation, embarrassment, public ridicule, and psychological trauma, undermining her emotional recovery.
Legal Basis
The application relies on Section 36(4)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, Sections 232 and 233 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and Sections 38, 204, and 205 of the Child Rights Act 2003. The prosecution contends that these provisions permit exclusion of the public to protect private lives, empower courts to adopt protective measures for vulnerable witnesses, and require confidentiality in proceedings involving child victims. It maintains that the measures would not prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair hearing, as he can still hear testimony and cross-examine.
Next Steps
Justice Osho-Adebiyi, expressing her resolve to conclude the trial promptly, initially considered a date before the court’s July vacation but eventually set 13 October for hearing the application and ruling, with trial to commence thereafter. She also scheduled 14 and 15 October for continuation. The sole issue for determination is whether the court should grant protective measures for the child complainant in the interest of justice and her welfare.
