Pastor Remanded for Allegedly R@ping Church Member During Prayer Session
The sleepy city of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, is reeling from a scandal that has gripped its Christian community and provoked intense conversations about trust, power, and the sanctity of religious spaces. A 34-year-old pastor, Kelvin Imo, was on Wednesday remanded at the Makurdi Correctional Centre for allegedly r@ping a female church member who had come to him for prayers and counselling.
The case, now before a magistrate’s court, has quickly become one of the most widely discussed incidents in Benue State this year — not merely because of its criminal nature but because of the questions it raises about spiritual authority, sexual exploitation, and the growing wave of alleged sexual misconduct cases involving clergy across Nigeria.
The hearing took place in a modest courtroom in Makurdi, where Chief Magistrate Kevin Mbanongun presided. The defendant, wearing a simple shirt and trousers, stood in the dock with a somber expression.
The charge against him was read out: r@pe, contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State, 2004.
However, the magistrate did not take his plea, citing a lack of jurisdiction to try such capital offences at the magistrate level. Rape trials are ordinarily handled by the High Court, which has the jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal cases of this nature.
Mbanongun ordered that Pastor Imo be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Makurdi pending further investigation and arraignment before a competent court. The case was adjourned until October 8, 2025, for further mention.
According to Inspector Friday Kanshio, the police prosecutor, the case came to light after the Benue State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) received a petition written by the complainant on September 2, 2025.
The victim, whose name is being withheld for legal and ethical reasons, alleged that she had visited the Living Faith Church branch located opposite Coca-Cola Camp, Km 5, Gboko Road, Makurdi, on April 22. She had gone to seek prayers and counselling from her pastor regarding personal challenges.
In her petition, she claimed that after the pastor prayed for her, he used a handkerchief to wipe her face. She said she immediately felt weak and unable to resist as he allegedly overpowered her and had s3xual intercourse with her inside the church without her consent.
Her statement described a scene that investigators have found deeply troubling — a place of worship transformed into the site of a crime.
Following the petition, Pastor Imo was arrested by the police and taken into custody for interrogation. Sources within the CID told this reporter that investigators collected physical evidence, recorded witness statements, and arranged for the victim to undergo medical examination.
A senior police officer familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the medical report supported the victim’s claim of sexual assault.
“Once we received the petition, we acted quickly. The complainant provided details that were consistent with forensic findings. The case was strong enough to bring before a court for remand,” the officer said.
Under Section 284 of the Penal Code of Benue State, rape is defined as having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, or with consent obtained by fear, coercion, or deceit. The section prescribes up to life imprisonment for convicted offenders, depending on the severity of the case.
Legal analysts say the case will eventually be transferred to the Benue State High Court, where a full trial can be conducted. If found guilty, Pastor Imo could face a lengthy prison term.
Barrister Tersoo Iortyom, a Makurdi-based criminal lawyer, explained that such cases are treated with utmost seriousness.
“Rape is one of the gravest offences under the Penal Code. It carries heavy punishment, and courts are often uncompromising when the prosecution proves its case beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that this involves a clergyman makes it even more sensitive because it touches on issues of public morality and abuse of trust,” Iortyom said.
News of the pastor’s arrest has caused an uproar across Makurdi and beyond. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from residents, Christians, and human rights activists.
Many expressed shock that such an allegation could be levelled against a pastor of a prominent church. Some defended him, citing the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” while others said the case highlights a disturbing trend of spiritual leaders allegedly exploiting vulnerable followers.
One Makurdi resident, Mrs. Iveren Agbulu, told reporters that she was devastated by the allegations.
“People go to church to find comfort and solutions to their problems. To hear that a pastor could allegedly take advantage of someone who came for prayer is heartbreaking. It makes people lose faith not just 1in the individual but in the institution,” she said.
The Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. A senior church member, however, told this reporter that the church leadership is aware of the case and is awaiting the outcome of police investigations before taking disciplinary action.
Religious scholars say churches must respond decisively in such situations to avoid reputational damage. Dr. Michael Ugoh, a lecturer in sociology of religion, warned that failure to act can erode trust in religious institutions.
“When a pastor faces allegations of this magnitude, the church has a duty to cooperate fully with the authorities, protect the victim, and reassure its congregation. Silence or perceived cover-up can do long-term damage,” Dr. Ugoh said.
Activists point out that this case is not isolated. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a string of cases involving pastors and other spiritual leaders accused of sexual misconduct.
In 2019, a high-profile case in Abuja involving a pastor of a large Pentecostal church drew national attention and led to calls for accountability in religious spaces.
“The pattern is worrying,” said Comfort Edeh, founder of Benue Women’s Rights Network. “We keep seeing women come forward with allegations of s3xual abuse by men of God, and yet there are few convictions. This is why many victims remain silent — they fear being stigmatized or not believed.”
Experts say cases like this underscore the power imbalance between clergy and congregants, particularly women seeking spiritual help.
“Religious leaders occupy a position of enormous influence. Congregants often see them as spiritual fathers or even divine intermediaries. When that power is abused, the victim may feel helpless,” said psychologist Dr. Joy Nwachukwu.
She added that the allegation that the pastor used a handkerchief that allegedly incapacitated the victim introduces a troubling dimension that requires forensic investigation.
“If there was any substance involved, toxicology tests should be done to determine whether she was drugged or psychologically manipulated. This is important for justice and also for preventing future abuse,” Dr. Nwachukwu said.
The next phase of the case will be critical. Prosecutors will need to build a strong case, while the defence is expected to contest the allegations vigorously.
Legal experts predict that the trial could take months or even years, depending on adjournments, witness availability, and other procedural matters.
Human rights groups are calling for a speedy trial to ensure justice is not delayed. They are also urging the state government to provide psychosocial support to the victim, who may face stigma and emotional trauma.
Many observers see this case as a wake-up call for religious organizations to establish stronger internal accountability systems.
“Churches must have clear protocols for counselling sessions — including having another trusted person present when a woman is meeting with a male pastor in private. They must also train pastors on ethical conduct and power dynamics,” said Dr. Ugoh.
As Pastor Imo remains behind bars awaiting trial, the case continues to dominate discussions in Makurdi’s churches, marketplaces, and social gatherings. For many, it is a sobering reminder that sacred spaces are not immune to abuse and that spiritual authority must always be exercised with integrity.
Whether Pastor Imo is ultimately found guilty or acquitted, the case is likely to leave a lasting imprint on Benue’s faith community — prompting churches, law enforcement, and society at large to rethink how to protect vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance.