A non-governmental organisation, WomenAid Collective, WACOL, is demanding justice after an Enugu State-based cleric allegedly defiled two sisters.
NATIONAL POST learnt that the two sisters were drugged during a deliverance session, after which the man of God gained access to their body.
The incident, according to WACOL, occurred in Okunito Oghe, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State where the pastor's church is located.
The prophet, his wife and their son have all been implicated in the alleged offence.
WACOL in a statement issued by its communication unit, also alleged that the cleric, Prophet Luke of City of Hope Church had been making attempts to cover the crime.
The statement reads, "Women Aid Collective (WACOL) is profoundly shocked and saddened by the disturbing report from two young sisters, Miss N1 (15 years old) and Miss N2 (17 years old) (their real names are withheld to protect their privacy, identity, and dignity as minors). They have reportedly, from their first-hand account to WACOL officials, been defiled and raped, allegedly by Prophet Luke Eze of the City of Hope Church, Okunito Oghe, in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
"We are further disturbed to learn that while the pastor's wife is allegedly pressuring the survivors' mother to accept a bribe of four million Naira (N4,000,000.00) to remain silent about this horrific incident, the suspect's son is allegedly threatening the life of the victims' mother.
"WACOL has reported the matter to the police and has petitioned the Enugu State Commissioner of Police for an urgent investigation and thorough prosecution of the suspect. We are taking measures to ensure the safety and security of the victims, given the serious threats made against them and their families to withdraw the charges.
"As a dedicated human rights organization, WACOL, together with its subsidiary Tamar Sexual Assault and Referral Centre, expresses grave concern over the increasing impunity surrounding sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women and girls in Nigeria. WACOL is committed to fostering a democratic society where violence and abuse are eradicated and where both law and practice fully protect the rights of women and young people."
The organisation expressed belief that "The cruelty inflicted upon these young girls and their mother is not only criminal but also heartless and tragic.
"The drugging of these young girls to gain access to their bodies constitutes a blatant violation of their sexual and reproductive health rights, as well as their rights to life, bodily integrity, and dignity.
"The safety of these victims, including their mother, is under serious threat from the influential suspect and his son, who are attempting to silence them and obstruct their access to justice.
"The alleged bribe offered to the victims' mother is an attempt to intimidate and undermine the administration of justice, making the prophet's wife an accomplice to this crime.
"The actions of the prophet have abused the trust placed in him by using his position to exploit these young girls under the guise of deliverance.
"The failure to arrest the prophet's wife and son exacerbates the already vulnerable situation faced by these victims and their mother, placing their lives in jeopardy due to alleged threats from the prophet's son."
WACOL called for an immediate, rigorous, and transparent investigation into these grave allegations, ensuring the swift prosecution of all those implicated including Prophet Luke Eze, his wife, and their son, whose intimidation and threats have compounded the suffering of the victims and their mother.
"We demand urgent arrest and detention of the prophet's wife and son to safeguard the lives and well-being of the survivors and the family, especially their mother, who remains at imminent risk.
"We insist on prompt and concrete action by the authorities and relevant stakeholders to guarantee the safety, protection, and access to justice for these courageous victims and their mother.
"In conclusion, the experiences of this distressed mother and her daughters who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation represent not only a betrayal of trust but also a criminal act. This is particularly concerning because they were seeking help at the prophet's request during a church service when the alleged defilement and sexual assaults took place.
"No person, regardless of their social or economic standing, should ever endure the horrors of rape, defilement, or threats to their life in a just society. It is the absolute duty of the law to shield and uplift the most vulnerable among us especially young girls whose futures hang in the balance.
"As poignantly stated by their mother, Madam NN, 'I don't have anyone to fight for us.' This urgent cry compels us to demand that Nigeria's laws be not only upheld but vigorously enforced to protect these victims, restore their dignity, and deliver the justice and remedies they so desperately deserve.
"Justice must be served for the two sisters and their mother, who have experienced trauma. The suspects should face prosecution, and if found guilty, appropriate sentencing should be imposed to deter similar offences," it demanded.
