A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has granted fresh bail to
a 39-year-old pastor and founder of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International, Amos Isah, who is standing trial over allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl.
The presiding judge, Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the FCT High Court, on Tuesday granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties, alongside stricter conditions than those previously imposed when the case was handled at another division of the court.
Under the new bail terms, the sureties must be responsible heads of religious organisations, particularly Pentecostal churches, and must present valid tax clearance certificates. The court also ordered verification of their church premises and residences by court officials. In addition, the defendant was directed to submit his international passport to the court.
This decision marks a departure from an earlier ruling by Justice Enobie Obanor of the Maitama division of the court, who had previously granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties who were required to be civil servants not below grade level 12 and residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The case was later reassigned from the Maitama division to the Gwarinpa division following an application by the prosecution.
Isah was not present in court on Tuesday, with his lawyer informing the court that he was being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the bail ruling.
The prosecution, led by Sofiya Oruene, opposed the bail application, while defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) O.U. Sule, argued for his client’s release, citing previous bail terms and medical grounds. The court, however, held that claims relating to health were not supported by sufficient evidence showing that the correctional facility could not manage his condition.
Justice Osho-Adebiyi also noted that the amended charge now consists of eight counts, including allegations that carry a potential life sentence if the defendant is convicted. She further held that issues raised about timing of the prosecution’s counter-affidavit could not invalidate it, stating that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) does not specify a strict timeframe.
The judge also rejected arguments for release based on medical condition, stating that no credible evidence was presented to prove inadequate medical care in custody. She added that allegations in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit could not be dismissed as they were not sufficiently disproven.
The court noted that the defendant had not jumped bail previously, had complied with earlier arraignment procedures, and had not obstructed proceedings, which were considered in granting the fresh bail.
The case was adjourned to June 30 for further hearing.
The allegations against Isah stem from a complaint made by a 14-year-old member of the media unit of his church, who alleged that she was raped in May 2025 after being invited to his office. She reportedly disclosed the incident to a friend, then her parents, who subsequently reported to the police.
The Nigeria Police Force arrested him in June 2025, and he was later arraigned on multiple counts including rape, child abduction, sexual exploitation, and abuse. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case, which has been ongoing for months with periods of delay and reassignment,
highlights concerns about prolonged sexual offence trials in Nigeria and the challenges often associated with prosecution delays and witness handling.
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