By Daniel Edu
A self-proclaimed prophet in Ogun State, known as Pastor Sunday, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman just days before her wedding. The State Police Command confirmed the arrest, revealing that the cleric, affiliated with a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the Agbado area of Ogun State, abducted his 21-year-old victim, Aliu Blessing, seven months ago.
Blessing had sought spiritual help for her ailing sister when the pastor reportedly prophesied that she would die on her wedding day unless she engaged in a sexual relationship with him. He also claimed that any other man attempting a relationship with her would meet a fatal end.
On February 2, 2023, the pastor allegedly abducted Blessing, taking her to an undisclosed location, causing immense distress to her family. Blessing returned home on November 5, 2023, and revealed her ordeal. She narrated how Sunday had taken her to his family house in Ilaro and then to a hotel, where he allegedly had multiple non-consensual sexual encounters with her.
The victim’s uncle, Aliu Yusuf, reported the incident to the police, leading to Pastor Sunday’s arrest. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect had confessed to the crimes during interrogation. The victim, displaying signs of psychological distress, has been taken to the hospital for medical examination.
“The suspect has confessed to the crimes and is currently in custody. He will be charged in court after the investigation is completed. The victim is undergoing medical examination due to her psychological condition,” said Odutola in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
