Cleric Arrested for Allegedly Defiling Three Teenage Girls in Kwara State

According to information provided by Punch on May 9, 2024, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State has arrested a 45-year-old cleric, Prophet Olayinka Ajiboye, for allegedly defiling three teenage girls in Agah village, Ilorin South local government area of the state.

The arrest of the cleric, who has been described as a serial rapist, was carried out by operatives of the NSCDC on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. The suspect had been under surveillance by the NSCDC following multiple complaints about his illicit activities.

The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in the state, ASC Ayoola Michael, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect, who is the General Overseer of Divine Land of Joy Prayer Ministry located in Agah village, had sexually assaulted several members of his church. One of the victims, named Joy Godfrey, reported the case to the Gender Unit of the NSCDC on April 3rd, 2024. She revealed the horrifying details of her ordeal, stating that the cleric lured her into an unfamiliar house in the Sango area of Ilorin and sexually assaulted her. He also forced her to swear with the Bible and threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident.

The second victim, whose identity was withheld, disclosed that the suspect had been sexually abusing her since she was sixteen years old. She further revealed that he impregnated her and gave her drugs to induce an abortion, resulting in severe bleeding for several months. The suspect threatened to kill her if she revealed their illicit relationship.

The third victim, also a member of the church, stated that the suspect started sexually abusing her at the age of thirteen. She was unable to report the incidents to her mother due to the suspect's consistent threats of harm and death.

The suspect has confessed to the crimes, attributing them to the influence of the devil. The Kwara NSCDC State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, expressed concern over the heinous acts and ordered a detailed investigation. He emphasized the command's commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators face prosecution in accordance with the law.