Woman Accuses Lagos Pastor of Rape During Church Service

On Monday, March 27th, a 19-year-old rape victim appeared in a sexual offences and domestic violence court in Ikeja, Lagos, to testify against Pope Paul, a youth pastor in the Deeper Life Bible Church whom she accused of raping her. She said the abuse began when she was 15 and living with him and his wife, Sister Lydia. She recounted how he started with a rough play and then touched her breasts when nobody was around. He then allegedly covered her mouth and inserted his fingers into her private part, causing her to bleed. He also allegedly played a Christian message at a loud volume to muffle her screams. Additionally, he dragged her to the kitchen one night and had sexual intercourse with her. The abuses were revealed after her mother forced her to take a pregnancy test which came back positive. Paul allegedly apologized and said he had asked God for forgiveness, but denied impregnating her. Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the case to May 23rd for continuation of trial.