Precious Okafor, a 16‑year‑old student, told ThePunch how she was sexually assaulted by Evangelist Dozie Ezani of the Jesus Is Ontop Ministry. The abuse began after her aunt, believing the pastor's claim that Okafor was possessed, took her to Ezani's house at night in Onitsha. While Okafor slept, Ezani entered her room, touched her and, after several attempts, left, later telling his wife he was "checking on the children." The following day he escorted her to his church in Amichi for a "special deliverance," during which he tried to force himself on her at the altar. He later denied her food, leaving her weak, and repeatedly forced intercourse both at the church and at his poultry farm in Igboukwu, Aguata LGA. Ezani admitted the misconduct but blamed "the devil's handiwork." He was arrested on his farm, taken to an office in Onitsha and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka. In court he asked operatives to temper justice with mercy, claiming he was not wholly responsible because the girl was brought to him, and pledged to pay her medical bills if released.
Evangelist Dozie Ezani's defense that "the devil's handiwork" drove his actions reveals a disturbing attempt to shift personal accountability onto supernatural forces.
The case underscores how the veneer of deliverance ministries can be weaponised to exploit vulnerable youths, especially when family members, like Okafor's aunt, are persuaded that a child is possessed. The involvement of the Anambra State Special Anti‑Touting Squad and the State Criminal Investigation Department shows law‑enforcement's growing willingness to intervene in religious‑based abuse, yet the pastor's claim of divine influence hints at deeper cultural challenges.
For ordinary Nigerians, the incident highlights the risk that children face when placed under the care of self‑styled spiritual leaders. Parents and guardians must scrutinise claims of possession and demand transparent oversight of any "deliverance" activities, lest they inadvertently expose minors to predatory behaviour.
This episode adds to a mounting record of clergy misconduct in the country, suggesting that without systematic monitoring and stronger legal safeguards, similar abuses may continue to surface under the guise of faith‑based interventions.
