Kwara Pastor Jailed for Life for Raping 3 Children

A Kwara State High Court has sentenced Ajiboye Olayinka, the general overseer of Mission House of Divine Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry, to life imprisonment. The court found him guilty of raping three minors inside his church premises in Ilorin.

The judge delivered the verdict on Thursday after a trial that examined testimony from the victims and supporting evidence gathered by police. The court found Olayinka guilty on all charges of sexual abuse against the three children.

The victims, all minors, had been brought to the church by their families. Authorities say Olayinka used his position as a pastor to gain access to the children before committing the crimes. The abuse reportedly took place inside the church building over a period of time.

The case was brought to the attention of police after one of the victims disclosed the abuse to a family member. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Kwara State arrested Olayinka and began an investigation that eventually led to charges being filed.

Presiding Judge Justice Aisha Isah said the sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime and the state’s duty to protect children. “No position of trust or religious authority can shield anyone from the full force of the law when they harm a child,” Justice Isah stated in her ruling.

Child rights advocates praised the verdict and called it a landmark judgment. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons also commended the court for the swift delivery of justice.

The case has renewed calls for stronger child protection laws and better oversight of religious institutions in Nigeria. Activists say many cases of child abuse by religious leaders go unreported because families fear stigma or distrust the justice system.

Olayinka’s legal team indicated they may appeal the sentence. However, prosecutors said they are confident the conviction will be upheld by higher courts.

The three victims are now in the care of child welfare services. Authorities have urged any person with knowledge of similar abuse to report it to the police or child protection agencies without delay.