By Adenike Lawal
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by a pastor in the Gwagwalada Area Council.
It also condemned the harassment of health workers and officials involved in handling the sensitive case.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday, vowing that the administration would pursue the case diligently.
The suspect, identified as Prophet Amos Isah of the Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, is currently in police custody.
He was arrested after the girl and her parents reported that he lured her into his office on May 26, raped her, gave her ₦3,000, and threatened her with death if she spoke out.
The teenager was reportedly a member of the church’s media unit.
Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized that the FCTA’s stance is rooted in Section 1 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which upholds the dignity and safety of every child.
“The FCT will not tolerate or shield paedophiles, regardless of their status,” she said. “We are resolute in our pursuit of justice whenever a child’s rights are violated.”
She noted that she has engaged key stakeholders, including the FCT Chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), to encourage collective accountability within religious institutions.
She also held meetings with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim, who heads gender-based violence investigations, to coordinate legal action.
To offer direct support, the Director of the Child Department at the Women Affairs Secretariat visited the survivor’s family.
“This is their only daughter, and we are standing with them. No effort will be spared,” Benjamins-Laniyi assured.
She stressed the need to protect adolescent girls, describing them as particularly vulnerable.
“This is not just another case. It’s a priority. No one involved will be shielded from justice,” she said.
The FCTA also condemned the social media exposure of the survivor’s identity. Benjamins-Laniyi specifically called out Isaiah Gbangbala for allegedly sharing the girl’s photos on Facebook in a bid to discredit her.
She described the action as cyberbullying and said legal steps would be taken against any further attempts to violate the girl’s privacy.
“The survivor is not only emotionally shattered but also facing serious medical complications due to the assault,” she revealed. “She has been withdrawn from school and was taken to a hospital for emergency care.”
As investigations continue, the FCTA urged the public to support healthcare workers, law enforcement, and all officials handling such sensitive cases, instead of attacking or intimidating them.
