A self-described church leader in southeastern Nigeria has been arrested after a 16-year-old girl, placed under his care for what her family believed was spiritual deliverance, alleged that he repeatedly raped and impregnated her and subsequently gave her herbal concoctions in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
Favour Ezani, who claims to lead a Pentecostal church in Nnewi, Anambra State, was arrested by the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), a security outfit operated by the state government. The alleged victim, a 16-year-old girl whose identity is being protected, was brought to his residence in Amichi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area for what her aunt described as spiritual healing.
According to police records, the abuse allegedly began in November 2025, shortly after the girl’s arrival at the suspect’s home. She told investigators she had been handed over to Ezani by her aunt without the knowledge of her mother, who lives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The girl alleged that Ezani assaulted her repeatedly at his church premises, his farm, and his residence, threatening to kill her if she spoke out.
When the aunt later discovered the girl was pregnant and questioned her, the teenager identified Ezani as responsible. Authorities were alerted, and the suspect was subsequently apprehended.
In a video circulating online, Ezani reportedly admitted to the act and claimed he had administered a mixture of bitter leaf and other herbs to terminate the pregnancy in an attempt to avoid public exposure. He appealed to security operatives for leniency, offering to cover the victim’s medical expenses if released.
The girl, speaking at the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) headquarters in Onitsha, told journalists she required urgent medical attention, saying she was experiencing active bleeding as a result of the herbal substances she had been given.
She appealed to the Anambra State Government, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals for assistance to access proper medical care.
SASA spokesperson Karen James confirmed the details of the case and said the matter was first reported by a security operative from Igboukwu, a neighbouring community. Ezani remains in custody. Formal charges under Nigerian law are expected to follow as police conclude their investigation.
