By Crystal Ugoeze
A law firm, Apexlaw Firm, has petitioned the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over the alleged abduction of a child, criminal breach of trust, obstruction of justice, and threats to life involving popular cleric Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Funfeyin and several other individuals.
In a petition dated January 8, 2026, and addressed to the Director-General of NAPTIP through its FCT Command, the firm said it was acting on behalf of its client, Ms. Ruth Matthew, a physically challenged mother of four. The petition alleges that Ms. Matthew’s son, popularly referred to as “Baby Testimony,” was abducted in April 2019 at Mercy City, a church operated by Prophet Funfeyin in Warri, Delta State.
According to the petition, Ms. Matthew had visited Mercy City in 2019 seeking spiritual help for her inability to walk and challenges with her business. She was reportedly required to make several payments, purchase items, and lodge within the church premises for weeks before eventually meeting the cleric.
The lawyers alleged that during her stay, church officials and protocol members became familiar with her children, particularly the youngest, Baby Testimony. They claimed that on April 15, 2019, two women, allegedly linked to the church, left with one of her sons under the supervision of a church security officer identified as Juliet. During the incident, Baby Testimony reportedly followed them and was later taken away in a tricycle, leaving the older child behind.
The petition further alleged that when Ms. Matthew raised alarm over the missing child, she was prevented from seeing Prophet Funfeyin and was allegedly forcefully removed from the church premises. The matter was later reported to the police, where the firm claims that efforts to recover the child were frustrated and that Ms. Matthew was pressured to accept money and leave Warri for her safety.
Apexlaw Firm also alleged that subsequent interventions, including one by a popular human rights radio programme, failed to resolve the case, while the church reportedly denied that Ms. Matthew ever came with a child. The lawyers said CCTV footage requested to clarify the incident was never produced.
The petition further accused some individuals, including Prophetess Grace, Pastor Chris Okafor, Doris Ogala, and a blogger identified as Dada Masses, of attempting to silence or intimidate Ms. Matthew through inducements, harassment, and alleged unlawful detention. It also cited a recent viral video in which Doris Ogala allegedly confessed to receiving N45 million in connection with the case.
According to the petition, Ms. Matthew has since received threats to her life and is currently living in fear and hiding. The firm is urging NAPTIP to immediately investigate the allegations, invite and interrogate the named individuals, ensure the protection of its client and her children, and prosecute any offenders if the allegations are established.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Human Rights Commission.