Nigerian Pastor Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping 16-Year-Old 'Spiritual Daughter'

The General Overseer of Refiners Fire Global Assembly, Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise

A Calabar High Court has sentenced Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise, General Overseer of Refiners Fire Global Assembly, to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl under his spiritual guidance in 2016.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu Obin at the Family Court of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, followed a case pursued by Gender and Development Action (GADA). The court found Okoise guilty of sexually assaulting the minor, whom he had manipulated under the guise of spiritual mentorship.

The survivor, whose identity is protected, had moved to Calabar in August 2016 for her Post-UTME exams and stayed with her elder sister on Goldie Street. Okoise, a frequent visitor, allegedly began sexually harassing her, touching her inappropriately before eventually raping her between November and December 2016.

Members of the church after a church service

The victim testified that the pastor coerced her by claiming that “God needed her body as much as her spirit and soul” and that he could transfer spiritual virtues through intercourse. He brainwashed her into believing he was her “spiritual father” and that submitting to him was a service to God.

Justice Obin ruled that the evidence proved Okoise had unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor, violating the Cross River State Child Protection Law (2003). In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered him to pay the survivor ₦1 million in compensation.

GADA’s legal team, including Barrister Doris Nduanusi, hailed the verdict as a landmark victory for survivors of sexual violence. “This judgment sends a strong message that such crimes will not go unpunished,” Nduanusi stated.

A cross section of the church in service

Barrister Asibong Asi, GADA’s Program Officer for Legal and Justice Sector, emphasized that the ruling serves as a stern warning to child predators. “Children cannot consent to sexual acts, and perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The case marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against sexual abuse, particularly within religious institutions where perpetrators often exploit trust and authority.