Justice Served: Calabar Pastor Jailed for Life After Manipulating, Assaulting 16-Year-Old Girl

 

A chilling case of betrayal and abuse has culminated in a landmark ruling at the Family Court of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal in Calabar. Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise, the General Overseer of Refiners Fire Global Assembly, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a 16-year-old girl he manipulatively referred to as his “spiritual daughter.” The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu Obin, marks a significant victory for justice advocates and sends a resounding message to predators hiding behind positions of authority.

The case, championed by the Gender and Development Action (GADA), unfolded with harrowing details of exploitation. Between November and December 2016, in Calabar South Local Government Area, Okoise preyed on a vulnerable teenager who had arrived in the city in August of that year to sit for her Post UTME examination. Residing with her elder sister on Goldie Street, the girl, whose identity remains protected, became a target during Okoise’s frequent visits to their home under the guise of sharing spiritual teachings.

Testimony from the survivor painted a disturbing picture of manipulation and coercion. Okoise, leveraging his position as a trusted religious figure, subjected the girl to repeated sexual harassment and inappropriate touching. When his initial attempts to coerce her into sexual intercourse failed, he resorted to psychological manipulation, claiming that “God needed her body as much as her spirit and soul.” He further convinced her that sexual intercourse would transfer spiritual virtues, positioning himself as her “spiritual father” to secure her compliance. The survivor, overwhelmed by his authority and indoctrination, succumbed to his demands against her will.

Justice Blessing Egwu Obin, presiding over the case, meticulously reviewed the evidence, including cross-examinations and exhibits, before delivering her verdict. She concluded that Okoise had “unlawful carnal knowledge” of the minor, violating the Cross River State Child Protection Law of 2003. The court’s ruling was unequivocal: Okoise would serve a life sentence and pay N1 million in compensation to the survivor. The decision underscored the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their societal status.

Barrister Doris Nduanusi, a prosecuting counsel and legal representative for GADA, hailed the verdict as a triumph for justice. She emphasized the need for greater activism to combat such societal ills, stating, “We need more voices to amplify that these acts can be stopped, and perpetrators will face consequences.” Her words reflect a broader call to action, urging communities to challenge abuse and support survivors in seeking justice.

The ruling has been met with widespread approval from advocacy groups, with GADA describing it as a victory for the voiceless and a testament to the judiciary’s role in upholding justice. Barrister Asibong Asi, GADA’s Program Officer for Legal, Training, and Justice Sector, reinforced this sentiment, noting that the judgment serves as a stark warning to those who exploit minors. “Children cannot consent to sexual acts,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding young individuals from predators who manipulate trust.

This case highlights the devastating impact of abuse cloaked in spiritual authority. Okoise’s actions not only violated the survivor but also shattered the trust placed in him as a religious leader. The survivor’s courage in testifying, coupled with GADA’s relentless pursuit of justice, has paved the way for a precedent-setting ruling that could deter future offenders. The court’s decision to impose both a life sentence and financial compensation underscores the severity of the crime and the need to support survivors in their healing process.

Advocates hope this judgment will inspire more survivors to come forward and seek justice, while encouraging society to confront the systemic issues that enable such abuses. The ruling stands as a beacon of hope, signaling that justice can prevail, even in the face of powerful figures who exploit their authority. As Calabar and beyond reflect on this case, the message is clear: no one is above the law, and the protection of the vulnerable remains paramount.