Nigeria has witnessed a series of scandalous revelations involving prominent pastors allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct.
Here is a short list of prominent Nigerian pastors who have been allegedly involved in sex scandals:
1. TB Joshua (2024)
Prophet T.B. the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) who died in 2021 has been accused of abuse and torture of multiple women.
Numerous individuals have reported witnessing physical violence or torture allegedly perpetuated by Joshua, including instances of child abuse, individuals being whipped and chained.
Several women have come forward with claims of sexual assault, with some alleging that they were repeatedly raped for an extended period within the compound.
Additionally, multiple accusations have been made regarding forced abortions within the church as a result of the alleged rapes, with one woman asserting she underwent five terminations.
2. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo (2013, 2018)
Founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo faced accusations in 2013 when blogger Ese Walter accused him of an affair.
The controversy escalated in 2018 when Busola Dakolo accused him of rape, sparking a public uproar.
3. Apostle Johnson Suleman (2017)
Apostle Johnson Suleman, the leader of the Omega Fire Ministries, faced allegations in 2017 from Stephanie Otobo, who claimed he impregnated her.
Later, Stephanie admitted to being paid by politicians to tarnish the pastor’s image. The scandal challenged the perception of Suleman as a spiritually equipped leader.
4. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (2014)
The founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, made headlines in 2014 when reports surfaced about his divorce from Anita Oyakhilome.
Anita cited adultery and unreasonable behavior, leading to the dissolution of their marriage. Pastor Chris denied the allegations, attributing them to external influences.
5. Rev. Ken Oyakhilome (2014)
Following Pastor Chris’s divorce, reports emerged that his brother, Rev. Ken, allegedly impregnated a South African church member.
The affair became an open secret among the congregation, and the church reportedly took measures to hush the scandal.
6. Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe (2017)
Renowned for his writings, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe faced allegations of sexual advances in 2017.
Rita Ibeni, a member of the church, claimed that the pastor made unwelcome advances.
The controversy deepened with the release of a telephone conversation recording, although the church denied the pastor’s involvement.
7. Pastor Chris Omashola (2019)
Pastor Chris Omashola of Zionwealth Ministry made headlines in 2019 when sex tapes featuring him and Princess Tamara Okpewho surfaced on social media.
The scandal unfolded with accusations of video leaks for blackmail purposes.
8. Pastor Joshua Iginla (2019)
Pastor Joshua Iginla, the senior pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, stunned his congregation in 2019 by confessing to having an affair outside his marriage.
The pastor detailed marital challenges, including his wife’s infidelity, leading to the birth of children out of wedlock.
9. Bishop Francis Wale Oke (1950s)
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the head of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, shocked his congregation by confessing to an adulterous relationship with his secretary.
The revelation tarnished the reputation of a pastor previously regarded as one of the top in the country.
10. Pastor Chukwuma Nkwocha (2016)
General Overseer of Tongue of Fire Restoration Ministry, Pastor Nkwocha, faced arrest in 2016 for allegedly camping and defiling around 30 underage girls.
The shocking revelation exposed the dark side of a pastor entrusted with spiritual guidance.
11. Pastor Sunday Adelaja (2016)
In 2016, the founder of Embassy of God, Pastor Sunday Adelaja, faced an adultery scandal involving allegations of extramarital affairs with at least 20 women in his church.
Adelaja vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them an attempt to wrest control of the church from him.
12. Pastor Timothy Ngwu (2015)
Pastor Timothy Ngwu of Vineyard Ministry of the Holy Trinity faced arrest in 2015 for allegedly impregnating 20 members of his congregation.
The scandal exposed the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the church.
13. Pastor Ofuche Ukoha (2014)
Pastor Ofuche Ukoha of Perfect Christianity Mission, known as Sign Fireman scandal shocked the nation with its allegations of ritual practices.
Ukoha faced various sexual assault accusations, including the killing of a 12-year-old virgin girl in Badagry.
The series of sex scandals involving Nigerian pastors raises concerns about the exploitation of trust within religious communities.
These scandals have tarnished the reputations of these pastors and raised questions about the accountability and transparency of religious institutions in Nigeria.
