A 38 years old prophet of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, identified as Abimbola Oluwafemi, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl under the guise of performing spiritual cleansing ritual in Ijebu Igbo area of Ogun State.
Salient Times learnt that Oluwafemi during the ritual at a riverbank around 2:00pm, allegedly took advantage of the minor.
Confirming his arrest , on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the child’s mother, a member of the church reported the incident at the Ijebu Igbo division of the command.
According to Odutola, the mother said the prophet had deceitfully convinced her that a spiritual bath was necessary to avert a prophesied calamity in her daughter’s future.
“She stated that the prophet had deceitfully convinced her that a spiritual bath was necessary to avert a prophesied calamity in her daughter’s future. Tragically, during this so-called ritual at a riverbank around 2:00 PM, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the minor.
Upon receiving the report, officers from the Gender Department of the Ogun State Police Command swiftly arrested the suspect.
The survivor was taken to Medicare Hospital, Ijebu Igbo, where medical evidence is being gathered to aid the ongoing investigation.
Odutola, however, disclosed that preliminary findings indicate a disturbing level of neglect and lack of parental caution, as the mother had entrusted her child to the suspect without due diligence.
“ Investigators are also examining the prophet’s background, including his claim of leading a congregation of about 100 members, for similar fact evidence” she added.
Meanwhile she urged parents to remain vigilant and protect their children from individuals of questionable character, especially those who exploit religious beliefs for financial advantage.
