The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has sentenced the General Overseer of Divine Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry, Prophet Ajiboye Abayomi Olayinka, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting three minor congregants. He also received a 14-year sentence for performing multiple illegal abortions on his victims.
Details of the Crime
The court established that the clergyman engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with the minors inside the church's mission house at Agah, in the Ganmo area of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State. The offenses occurred over a period, with the defendant using his position of authority to exploit the victims.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The defendant faced eight counts, including criminal conspiracy, unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, illegal abortion, and unlawful possession of firearms. These charges contravened Sections 97, 235, and 283 of the Penal Code, Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, and Section 31(2) of the Kwara State Child Rights Law, 2006.
During the trial, the prosecution called 12 witnesses and presented various exhibits. Evidence from the victims, particularly PW3, PW4, and PW5, revealed that the defendant applied anointing oil to their private parts before forcefully having sex with them in the mission house. He also made them swear an oath of secrecy on the Bible, threatening to kill them if they disclosed the abuse.
On February 11, 2026, the prosecution team, led by Issa Zakari, Chief State Counsel, vigorously cross-examined the defendant and his witnesses. After the defense closed its case, written addresses were filed and adopted, and the court adjourned for judgment.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
In his ruling, the trial judge, Honorable Justice H.A. Gegele, held that the prosecution successfully proved the offenses of unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, rape, and illegal abortion against the convict. However, the charge of bigamy was not established, and the defendant was discharged on that count.
Justice Gegele described the defendant as a pedophile and philanderer whose conduct should be condemned by all members of society. The court also ordered that the pump-action rifle recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The life imprisonment sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and serves as a deterrent to others who might abuse their positions of trust. The case has drawn attention to the need for greater protection of minors in religious settings.
