US-based Nigerian evangelist, gospel minister, and the founder of Queen Belemzy Ministries-School of Power, Apostle Queen Belemzy has called on Christians and alleged victims of abuse by religious leaders to speak out, warning against what she described as a culture of silence that allows alleged sexual abuse, intimidation and exploitation to continue within some religious circles.
She made the remarks while preaching on Sunday, the first day of her three-day Holy Ghost Encounter and birthday celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
During the message, the cleric recounted her experience of publicly speaking against a religious leader whom she accused of misconduct, saying the decision attracted criticism, rejection and attacks from people who believed she was attempting to damage the reputation of a prominent man of God.
According to Belemzy, she remained convinced that speaking out was an assignment from God.
“People hated me, people blocked me, people made videos about me, saying I was trying to bring down a great man of God,” she said.
She questioned why worshippers would remain in a congregation if they were aware of credible allegations of sexual misconduct against its leader, insisting that Christians should not ignore wrongdoing simply because the person accused occupies a religious position.
Belemzy also alleged that some victims who initially speak publicly about their experiences later withdraw their allegations or issue apologies because of intimidation, threats against themselves or their families, or fear for their safety.
She recounted the case of a woman in Port Harcourt whom she said had accused a religious leader of rape after travelling to Lagos to meet him for what was presented as a spiritual engagement.
According to Belemzy, she later assisted the woman with legal representation after the woman allegedly encountered further difficulties with law enforcement. She claimed that the woman eventually issued an apology to the accused religious leader after allegedly coming under pressure.
Belemzy stressed that she did not blame the woman for backing down, saying fear and concerns about personal safety could make it difficult for alleged victims to pursue their cases.
“Do we blame her for apologising? Do you blame her? An orphan? She doesn’t have anyone to fight for her,” she said.
The cleric further accused some self-proclaimed prophets of exploiting followers financially and subjecting people to bullying and other forms of abuse. She also alleged that some religious figures maintain questionable relationships with political officeholders under the guise of offering spiritual assistance.
She urged people with allegations of sexual abuse and other serious crimes to speak out and seek appropriate legal intervention rather than remain silent.
Belemzy said her previous involvement in helping people who claimed to have suffered abuse had sometimes come at significant personal and financial cost, but maintained that she would continue to intervene whenever she believed God was directing her to do so.
Her remarks formed part of the opening-day message at the Three-Day Holy Ghost Encounter, organised as part of her birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
The programme, which runs from September 27 to September 29, 2026, features prayers, worship and spiritual ministrations and is streamed live on ABN TV.
The allegations referenced during the sermon are claims made by Apostle Queen Belemzy. They have not been independently established in the information available for this report, and any persons accused are entitled to respond to the allegations.
