A sexagenarian grandmother is on the run from police in Benin City after arranging an illegal abortion for her 15-year-old granddaughter, who was allegedly raped and impregnated by a self-proclaimed church prophet.
The victim, whose identity is protected, was allegedly assaulted in August 2024 by 70-year-old Prophet Paul Lawani in his church on Iyeide street. After the attack, the ‘man of God’ is accused of dragging the terrified girl to his altar and forcing her to swear a deadly oath of secrecy.
The crime remained hidden until the girl’s grandmother and guardian, Mrs Otabor of Ogiemwenken Street, noticed the teenager exhibiting pregnancy symptoms. Mrs Otabor then brought in a local nurse, who confirmed the girl was two months pregnant and performed an abortion, illegally terminating the pregnancy and further concealing the crime.
The victim, buckling under the trauma, eventually confided in a neighbour, who alerted the Nigeria Police. Prophet Lawani was subsequently arrested.
In a harrowing account, the victim stated: “When I got to his church office, he forced me to remove my pants. When I shouted, nobody came. After doing it with me, he took me to his altar and swore that I would die if I told anyone.”
In a startling development, the fugitive grandmother’s husband, Mr Jeremiah Otabor, has broken ranks, pledging full cooperation with prosecutors to ensure Lawani faces justice. He denounced the suspect, stating, “I am aware of the incident. He (Lawani) is a criminal.”
The Edo State Police Command, through spokesman CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed Lawani’s arrest and that an investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn the attention of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, which has offered logistics support to the investigation, vowing that the culprits will not be spared.
A manhunt continues for Mrs Otabor as the community reels from the sinister abuse of power and faith that unfolded behind church doors.
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