By Deborah Nnamdi
A 42-year-old pastor, Samson Ajayi, has been ordered into custody at the Olokuta Correctional Centre by a Magistrate Court in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, over allegations of raping his 17-year-old biological daughter.
Ajayi, a father of five, faces two counts of rape and defilement. He was arrested last week after his wife filed a report with the police in the Igoba area of Akure North Local Government, alleging that her husband had been sexually abusing their daughter.
During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Supol Martins Olowofeso revealed that the abuse reportedly spanned over four years—from March 2021 to August 2025—taking place in the family’s residence in Igoba. He added that Ajayi confessed to the crimes, blaming them on what he described as a “generational curse.”
According to the prosecutor, the mother was initially unaware of the abuse until she noticed signs of disturbance in their bedroom. After confronting her daughter, the teenager disclosed the repeated assaults, leading to a police investigation and Ajayi’s arrest while he was on a prayer retreat.
The official charge reads in part: “That you, Samson Ajayi ‘m’, between July 2021 and August 2025, at Igoba, Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District, did have carnal knowledge of your biological daughter (name withheld), aged 17.”
The offences contravene Sections 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), and 25 of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2021.
Although Ajayi’s plea was not taken, the prosecution requested his remand pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In court, Ajayi admitted, “I eventually did it, but I don’t know what came over me. I believe it’s a generational curse. My own father did the same thing to my sister. I see this as an act meant to disgrace me.”
Ajayi’s lawyer, Kehinde Osadugba, attempted to secure a settlement, citing the wife’s forgiveness and Ajayi’s role as the family’s primary provider. However, Magistrate Taiwo Lebi rejected the plea and ordered Ajayi’s remand in Olokuta Correctional Centre.
The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2025, for further review.
