Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise, General Overseer of Refiners Fire Global Assembly, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl described as his “spiritual daughter.” The verdict was delivered at the Family Court of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu Obin.

The case, pursued by Gender and Development Action (GADA), revealed that Okoise sexually assaulted the minor between November and December 2016 in Calabar South Local Government Area. The survivor, whose identity is protected, had come to Calabar in August 2016 for her Post UTME examination and was staying with her elder sister on Goldie Street. Okoise, a frequent visitor, used his position to deliver spiritual teachings to the household.

According to court testimony, Okoise sexually harassed the victim multiple times, inappropriately touching her and later manipulating her into believing that sexual intercourse was necessary to “transfer spiritual virtues” and serve God. He coerced her by claiming he was her “spiritual father,” exploiting her trust.

Justice Obin, in her ruling, stated that the evidence and cross-examination confirmed the defendant had “unlawful carnal knowledge” of the minor. Citing the Cross River State Child Protection Law of 2003, she sentenced Okoise to life imprisonment and ordered him to pay N1 million in compensation to the survivor.

Barrister Doris Nduanusi, a prosecuting counsel for GADA, hailed the judgment, saying, “This sends a strong message that such crimes will face consequences. We need more voices and activists to ensure these ills are eradicated.”

The ruling marks a significant step in addressing sexual violence in Cross River State, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to protecting minors.