Self-acclaimed prophet defiles teenager, while performing spiritual cleansing ritual in Ogun

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed prophet, Abimbolu Oluwafemi, 38, of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, over the alleged defilement of a 12-year-old girl under the guise of performing a spiritual cleansing ritual.

This was made known in the statement on Sunday, by the Ogun  State Police Command Spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola.

It reads, “The victim’s mother, a member of the suspect’s congregation, reported the incident at the Ijebu Igbo Divisional Police Station. She stated that the prophet had deceitfully convinced her that a spiritual bath was necessary to avert a prophesied calamity in her daughter’s future. Tragically, during this so-called ritual at a riverbank around 2:00 PM, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the minor.

“Upon receiving the report, officers from the Gender Department of the Ogun State Police Command swiftly arrested the suspect. The victim was referred to Medicare Hospital, Ijebu Igbo, where medical evidence is being gathered to aid the ongoing investigation.

“Preliminary findings indicate a disturbing level of neglect and lack of parental caution, as the victim’s mother had entrusted her child to the suspect without due diligence. Investigators are also examining the prophet’s background, including his claim of leading a congregation of about  100 members, for similar fact evidence.”

Odutola noted that the  Ogun State Police Command cautions parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protect their children from individuals of questionable character, especially those who exploit religious beliefs for financial advantage.