A Nigerian pastor, Michael Oluronbi, and his wife, Juliana, have been sentenced to a combined 34 years in prison in the United Kingdom for sexual offences against multiple victims. Oluronbi was found guilty of raping six women and a man, and abusing children and adults for over 20 years, under the guise of “spiritual bathing” to cleanse them of evil spirits.
The Birmingham Crown Court convicted Oluronbi of 15 counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, with at least 88 separate instances of rape. The court heard that some victims became pregnant multiple times, but Oluronbi would take them to abortion clinics to cover up the abuse.
Oluronbi’s wife, Juliana, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for three counts of aiding and abetting rape, as she assisted her husband in arranging abortions for the victims. Both defendants will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
The judge, Judge Buckingham, described Oluronbi as “arrogant, selfish, and vain,” and stated that his offences had an “extreme and severe impact” on the victims. The judge also noted that Oluronbi abused his position of trust, and that the victims trusted him like God.
The case is a shocking example of sexual abuse and exploitation by a religious leader, and highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such abuse.
When asked about it the pastor said the devil made him do it.
