A High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced a church founder, Prophet Ajiboye Olayinka, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually abusing underage members of his congregation inside a church mission house.
The court ruled that the offences were committed while Olayinka served as General Overseer of the church, where the victims — all minors — were repeatedly abused under disturbing circumstances that went on for a period before coming to light.
During proceedings, prosecutors presented 12 witnesses alongside several exhibits, detailing how the victims were allegedly subjected to sexual assault and pressured into silence through threats and intimidation.
Delivering judgment, the trial judge strongly condemned the conduct of the convict, describing him as “a pedophile and philanderer whose conduct should be condemned by society,” a statement that has since drawn widespread attention.
In addition to the life sentence, the court also handed Olayinka a separate 14-year prison term for offences linked to illegal abortions connected to the abuse cases.
Authorities further ordered the forfeiture of a pump-action gun recovered during investigations, directing that the weapon be handed over to the Federal Government.
The case has triggered renewed debate across Nigeria about abuse of power within religious institutions, with growing concerns over how vulnerable victims are often silenced in environments where spiritual authority goes unquestioned.
Advocates say the judgment underscores the need for stronger safeguarding systems in places of worship, especially where children and teenagers are involved, as calls intensify for more accountability in faith-based organisations.
