A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has convicted a church leader and sentenced him to life imprisonment for sexually abusing minors. Prophet Ajiboye Abayomi Olayinka, General Overseer of Mission House of Divine Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry, faces three separate life sentences.
The convictions stem from illegal sexual intercourse with three 13-year-old members of his congregation. All three attacks occurred inside the church's mission house in Agano, Ganmo.
Justice Hammed Aliyu Gegele handed down the sentence on Wednesday. The judge also imposed an additional 14-year prison term for unlawfully procuring abortions for his victims.
According to the judgment, Olayinka weaponized his spiritual position against the children. He turned them into what the judge described as "sex machines," inflicting both physical and psychological trauma.
One victim's account shocked the courtroom. The judge recounted how the prophet dragged her to a generator house, used anointing oil as lubricant, and assaulted her repeatedly after late-night prayer vigils.
The defendant faced eight counts in total, including criminal conspiracy and weapons possession. Charges were filed under the Penal Code and the Kwara State Child Rights Law of 2006.
Prosecution witnesses, all 12 of them, testified that Olayinka performed ritualistic acts on the girls. He allegedly applied anointing oil to their private areas before forcing himself on them inside the mission house.
The victims also described a terrifying silence campaign. Olayinka made them swear on the Bible that they would keep quiet, threatening death if they told anyone.
On February 11, 2026, prosecutors rigorously cross-examined the defendant and his witnesses. Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari led the aggressive questioning before the court.
The trial concluded with written submissions from both sides. Justice Gegele then reserved judgment until Wednesday's verdict.
In his ruling, the judge found the prosecution had proven the rape and abortion charges conclusively. However, the bigamy count failed to meet the required standard of proof.
The court therefore acquitted Olayinka on that single count. All other convictions stood.
Justice Gegele's language was blistering. He branded the defendant "a pedophile and philanderer" whose behavior deserves society's total condemnation.
A pump-action shotgun recovered from Olayinka's residence will now be forfeited to the Federal Government. The court ordered immediate seizure of the weapon.
This case highlights persistent dangers within some religious institutions. Authorities are expected to use it as a warning to other clerics who exploit their positions of trust.
