Prosecution seeks video-link testimony, in-camera proceedings and identity protection for 14-year-old complainant as court fixes October for hearing.
By A1NEWS International
Abuja, Nigeria | June 30, 2026
Trial of Abuja Pastor Stalled by Child Witness Protection Request
The trial of Abuja-based cleric Pastor Amos Isah, who is facing allegations of child rape, sexual exploitation and related offences, has been postponed after the prosecution filed an application seeking special protective measures for the 14-year-old complainant before she testifies.
Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwarinpa, adjourned the proceedings to October 13, 14 and 15, when the court is expected to hear arguments on the application, deliver an immediate ruling and, if the application succeeds, commence the substantive trial.
The latest development highlights the growing emphasis within Nigeria’s criminal justice system on balancing the constitutional rights of defendants with the legal obligation to safeguard vulnerable child victims during judicial proceedings.
Pastor Faces Eight Criminal Charges
Pastor Isah, founder and General Overseer of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International, Gwagwalada, Abuja, is standing trial on an amended eight-count charge bordering on:
- Alleged rape of a 14-year-old church member.
- Child abduction.
- Sexual exploitation.
- Other related offences.
The prosecution alleges that the offences were committed against a minor who served in the church’s media department.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Fresh Bail Came With Tougher Conditions
The case has attracted significant public attention since Justice Osho-Adebiyi granted Pastor Isah fresh bail in May 2026.
Rather than retain the bail terms previously granted by another judge, the court imposed substantially stricter conditions.
The defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties who must be heads of Pentecostal churches, among other requirements.
The revised conditions replaced an earlier ₦5 million bail granted before the case was reassigned to Justice Osho-Adebiyi.
Trial Delayed Over Witness Protection Motion
When proceedings resumed on Tuesday, the prosecution informed the court that it had filed a Motion on Notice seeking protective measures before the child complainant could testify.
Prosecuting counsel, Aderonke Imana, from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, told the court that although the application had been filed and served, the defence disputed receiving the documents.
Defence counsel, O.U. Sule, SAN, informed the court that he had not been served with the application.
Upon examining the court records, Justice Osho-Adebiyi discovered that the application had been delivered to an address different from the one previously used by the defence.
The prosecution subsequently handed a fresh copy of the application to the defence inside the courtroom.
After reviewing the document, the defence requested time to file a formal response before arguments could commence.
Court Prioritises Speedy Trial
Justice Osho-Adebiyi expressed her desire to conclude the matter without unnecessary delay and initially explored dates before the court’s annual vacation.
However, following consultations with both legal teams, the matter was adjourned until October to allow the defence to respond while ensuring adequate time for the hearing of the application and commencement of trial.
The judge indicated that if the application is granted, the prosecution will immediately begin presenting evidence through its first witness—the child complainant.
What the Prosecution Wants
Documents filed before the court reveal that the prosecution is seeking extensive protective measures for the teenage complainant.
Among the orders requested are:
- Permission for the child to testify through video link.
- Alternatively, allowing testimony behind a protective screen or through any method approved by the court.
- Conducting proceedings involving the child’s testimony in camera, excluding members of the public and media.
- Preventing direct face-to-face contact between the complainant and the defendant during testimony.
- Prohibiting publication of the child’s identity, photograph or any information capable of revealing her identity.
The prosecution argues that these measures are necessary to preserve the child’s dignity, privacy and psychological wellbeing throughout the proceedings.
Prosecution Relies on Constitutional and Child Protection Laws
In its written address, the prosecution argues that Nigerian law empowers courts to adopt special measures for vulnerable witnesses.
It relies on:
- Section 36(4)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, which allows courts to exclude the public where necessary to protect private lives or the interests of justice.
- Sections 232 and 233 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which permit protective measures for vulnerable witnesses.
- Sections 38, 204 and 205 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which safeguard the confidentiality and welfare of children involved in legal proceedings.
According to the prosecution, compelling the child to testify openly could expose her to intimidation, emotional distress, embarrassment and lasting psychological trauma.
The application further argues that protecting the complainant’s identity would not infringe upon the defendant’s constitutional right to a fair hearing because the defence would still have the opportunity to hear and challenge the evidence through cross-examination.
Balancing Child Protection and Fair Trial
Legal analysts note that the case reflects an increasingly important issue in Nigeria’s criminal justice system—how courts balance the rights of accused persons with the protection of vulnerable victims.
While criminal proceedings are generally conducted in public to promote transparency, Nigerian law recognises exceptions where minors or victims of sexual offences require additional safeguards.
Protective measures such as video-link testimony, witness screens and restricted courtroom access are increasingly adopted internationally to minimise trauma without compromising the integrity of criminal trials.
Background to the Case
Police arrested Pastor Isah in June 2025 following allegations that he raped a 14-year-old member of his church.
He was first arraigned in July 2025 on four counts of rape.
After the matter experienced procedural delays, the prosecution successfully applied for its reassignment.
On May 14, 2026, the defendant was re-arraigned before Justice Osho-Adebiyi on an expanded eight-count charge involving child rape, child abduction, sexual exploitation and related offences.
He continues to deny all allegations.
Implications of the October Hearing
The October proceedings are expected to determine not only whether the child will testify under special protection but also how the substantive criminal trial will proceed.
Legal experts say the court’s ruling could contribute to the growing body of judicial decisions defining how Nigerian courts protect child victims while safeguarding the constitutional rights of defendants in sexual offence prosecutions.
The outcome may also influence future cases involving vulnerable witnesses across Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The postponement of Pastor Amos Isah’s trial underscores the delicate legal balance between ensuring open justice and protecting vulnerable child witnesses from further trauma.
As the FCT High Court prepares to rule on the prosecution’s application in October, the decision is expected to shape not only the conduct of the trial but also broader judicial practice in handling child victims of alleged sexual offences.
While the allegations remain unproven and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence, the case continues to draw significant public attention because of its legal, social and child protection implications.
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