Pastor Amos Isah, founder of Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, has been remanded in custody by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, as his trial for alleged sexual abuse of a minor continues. The court, presided over by Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, made the order pending the submission of his earlier bail records. The 39-year-old cleric pleaded not guilty to eight counts of offences including rape, sexual exploitation, coercion, emotional and psychological abuse, gross indecency, and abduction of a 14-year-old girl.
The charges stem from an incident allegedly occurring on May 26, 2025, at the Prophet Victory Voice Fire Ministry International Church in Gwagwalada, Abuja. According to the prosecution, Pastor Isah lured the minor, identified as B.Z.J., into his office and engaged in acts that violated several Nigerian laws protecting children and preventing violence against persons. The first charge specifically accuses him of raping the girl, an offence under Section 31(1) of the Child Rights Act, 2003.
The second charge alleges sexual exploitation under Section 32(2) of the same Act, while the third accuses him of coercion under Section 3 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015. The fourth charge claims he placed the girl in fear of physical injury, violating Section 4 of the same law. The fifth charge details emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse under Section 14(2) of the Violence Against Persons Act.
Further charges include gross indecency under Section 285 of the Penal Code Laws, another form of exploitation under Section 33(2) of the Child Rights Act, and abduction of a minor under Section 273 of the Penal Code. Each charge outlines specific acts committed within the church premises, emphasizing the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the minor involved.
The court adjourned the trial until June 30, 2026, for further proceedings. This development has drawn widespread attention across Nigeria, raising concerns about the safety of children in religious institutions and the need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws. The case is being closely watched as it may set a precedent for how similar cases involving clergy and minors are handled in the future.
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