The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has set October 13 for the hearing of an application seeking special protection for a minor rape victim being prepared to testify against an Abuja-based pastor.

The alleged minor rape victim, who is only 14 years old, is set to testify against Pastor Amos Isah, the founder and General Overseer of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International.

Judge Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, who is keen about promptly concluding the trial, said she would hear the application on October 13 and immediately rule on it.

Mr Isah is standing trial on eight counts, including raping the minor, child abduction, sexual exploitation, and other related offences.

When the matter came up on Tuesday, the prosecution informed the court that it had filed an application seeking protective measures for the child before she gives evidence.

The prosecution lawyer, Aderonke Imana, of the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, told the court that although the matter was scheduled for hearing, the prosecution had filed an application for witness protection.

Mr Isah was granted fresh bail in May after declining his request to retain the earlier bail terms granted by another judge. Instead, Judge Modupe Osho-Adebiyi imposed stiffer conditions, including a N50 million bail bond and two sureties who must be heads of pentecostal churches.

After granting the defendant bail, the judge adjourned the case for the prosecution to open its case by calling its first witness, the minor complainant.

The prosecution further asked the court to restrain the publication, broadcast or dissemination of the minor's name, image or any information capable of identifying her in connection with the proceedings.

The application was filed on September 25, 2025, and the prosecution argued that the witness's privacy, dignity, and mental wellbeing require special protection under Nigerian law.

The prosecution argued that the charges involve alleged sexual and gender-based violence, exposing the child to intimidation, embarrassment, and public ridicule if she is required to testify openly.

It also argued that allowing the child to testify in open court could expose her to further psychological trauma and undermine her emotional recovery.

The prosecution relied on Section 36(4)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, Sections 232 and 233 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and Sections 38, 204 and 205 of the Child Rights Act, 2003.

Judge Osho-Adebiyi has scheduled the trial to commence on October 13, immediately after ruling on the application for witness protection.

The trial is expected to continue from October 14 to 15.

The case has sparked public concern over the alleged abuse of minors in religious institutions in Nigeria.

The Federal Government has been criticized for its handling of similar cases in the past.

The incident has also raised questions about the lack of protection for child victims of sexual abuse in Nigeria.