60-year-old Michael Oluronbi has been failed for 34 years after his conviction for multiple rapes of his church members.
The evangelical pastor used his trusted position to sexually abuse adults and children for more than 20 years. He was found guilty of the offenses against a man and six women in January.
The judge described Oluronbi’s actions as “one of the worst cases of sexual abuse of multiple children to come before the courts.”
Many of Oluronbi’s offenses were carried out after he convinced victims to participate in ‘spiritual bathing’ which he claimed would eliminate evil spirits.
A jury heard that some of the young female victims became pregnant but were taken to abortion clinics to hide what was happening.
Oluronbi was convicted of 7 counts of indecent assault, 15 counts of rape, and 2 counts of sexual assault. The sentencing hearing heard there were at least 88 incidents on which he abused his victims.
Sentencing the self-styled prophet, Judge Buckingham said: “You claimed that God was instructing you to conduct holy baths. Its real purpose was to fulfil your insatiable sexual appetite.
‘”The children feared you and this enable you to continue your grip. Your offending has had an extreme and severe impact on all of your complainants.
“Any attempt to suggest otherwise would be without foundation. You abused your position of trust – they trusted you like God.”
The judge added: “You did this because you are an arrogant, selfish and vain man. In my judgment, your offending must be one of the worst cases of sexual abuse of multiple children to come before the courts.”
Oluronbi was brought to justice after one of the victims, now an adult, spoke out. He was arrested at Birmingham Airport while trying to leave for Nigeria.
One internet user commented: “Let’s hope he is kept in prison until the end of his sentence.”
Another wrote: “Just hope 34 years IS 34 years, just hope!!”
A third added: “Woo a sentence that fits the crime at last….Horrific Crime…He should never be released though…”
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Replaced!