The disturbing case of Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise, the General Overseer of Refiners Fire Global Assembly in Calabar, came to light following his conviction for raping a 16-year-old girl who was under his spiritual guidance. The incident occurred between November and December 2016 in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State. The victim, a minor referred to as a “spiritual daughter,” had come to Calabar in August 2016 for her Post UTME examination and stayed with her elder sister on Goldie Street, where the pastor frequently visited to share spiritual teachings.
The victim recounted how Pastor Okoise sexually harassed her repeatedly, touching her inappropriately and coercing her into sexual intercourse. When his initial attempts failed, he manipulated her by claiming that God required her body as much as her spirit and soul, and that through intercourse, he could transfer spiritual virtues to her. This brainwashing led her to believe that he was her “spiritual father” and that the act was a form of service to God, which she was coerced into against her will.
The decision to sentence Pastor Favour Maxy Okoise to life imprisonment was finally made on June 18, 2025. The case was prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice with support from Gender and Development Action (GADA), represented by Barrister Doris Nduanusi. The trial was held at the Family Court in Calabar and presided over by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu Obin.
After thoroughly examining the evidence and testimonies, the court delivered a powerful verdict. Pastor Okoise was found guilty of rape, and by the Cross River State Child Rights Law of 2023, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a compensation of 1 million Naira to the survivor which is a significant step towards justice.
Barrister Nduanusi celebrated the ruling, emphasising the critical need for more activists to raise their voices against such heinous acts. “We need more advocates to shine a light on these issues, to show society that we can put an end to these ills,” she stated.
GADA also expressed profound satisfaction with the verdict, considering it a monumental win not just for the organization, but for all those who have been silenced. “This victory signals to would-be offenders that the judiciary will not tolerate such crimes,” they declared.
The Program Officer, Legal, Training and Justice Sector of GADA, Barrister Asibong Asi echoed that the ruling sends a strong warning to perpetrators of rape and the judgment, citing the provision of the Cross River State Child Rights Law 2023, that children cannot consent to sexual acts.
“This judgment will serve as a warning to those who abuse minors.”
She further said GADA is currently implementing a project titled “Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State”. Given that the perpetrator was leading a fellowship comprising UNICAL students, the project was relevant.
Barr. Asibong also noted that “Campus Square”, an initiative under the project, aims to provide a platform for students to share their experiences and speak out against incidents of gender-based violence. To explore this further, GADA will on 18 June 2025, host a Stakeholders’ Forum, bringing together male youths and women’s groups from faith communities.
The forum, she stated, will focus on promoting male responsibility, challenging harmful gender norms, and leveraging positive religious texts to advocate for non-violent behaviour and gender equity.
The Naija Lowdown Writer 