A Nigerian pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo, who is at the centre of a rape allegation, which he denies, says he’s taking a “leave of absence from the pulpit of the church”.
In a video circulating on social media, Pastor Fatoyinbo was accused by a woman of raping her twice before she turned 18. He has said that he is “absolutely innocent”.
In a statement on Instagram released on Monday he said he has spoken to Christian leaders around the world and he has now decided to step aside temporarily.
The allegations against him started a huge social media conversation as people shared stories of alleged sexual abuse.
There were protests at the weekend in Nigeria after a woman accused a well-known pastor of twice raping her before she turned 18, several years ago.
The protests and social media discussions have led some to ask if this is Nigeria’s #MeToo moment.
In a video, that has been circulating on Twitter, the woman said the first incident happened at her father’s house early one morning. The second incident happened on a secluded road. She gave detailed accounts of both attacks.
In a statement on Instagram, the pastor has said: “I have never in my life raped anybody even as an unbeliever and I am absolutely innocent of this.”
Sunday’s protests took place outside different branches of the pastor’s church as people held placards saying: “Thou shall not rape.”