Controversial evangelist Tonto Dikeh Dragged To Court in ₦200m Suit Over Viral ‘Deliverance’ Video Involving A Poor Schoolgirl

A human rights lawyer has instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, against Nollywood actress and self-acclaimed evangelist, Tonto Dikeh, over an alleged violation of the rights of a minor during a controversial religious deliverance session that recently went viral on social media.

 

The legal action, filed by lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi, accuses the actress of subjecting a female schoolchild to degrading treatment and breaching her fundamental rights to dignity and privacy. The suit, which was brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, is seeking several declarations and orders from the court, including ₦200 million in damages.

 

According to court documents, the minor involved in the case is a Junior Secondary School 1 student originally from Rivers State but currently attending school in Abuja. The child is being represented in court by Obasi, who argues that the incident constitutes a serious breach of the girl’s constitutional and statutory rights.

 

Allegations Surrounding Viral Deliverance Session

 

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Obasi stated that the alleged violation came to his attention on March 6, 2026, after he encountered photos and a video circulating online from Dikeh’s verified Facebook page.

 

The footage, which quickly spread across social media platforms, reportedly shows the actress conducting what was described as a religious exorcism or deliverance session on the schoolgirl. During the session, the minor was allegedly laid directly on the ground and pressed against a stony surface while the ritual was performed.

 

Obasi argued that the manner in which the deliverance was conducted exposed the child to degrading and inhumane treatment. He further contended that the act not only subjected the minor to public humiliation but also placed her at risk of psychological harm.

 

According to the lawyer, the circumstances captured in the viral images and video raise serious concerns about the welfare of the child and the appropriateness of such practices involving minors.

 

Claims of Privacy Violation

 

Beyond the alleged physical and emotional harm, the suit also focuses heavily on the issue of privacy. Obasi argued that posting the images and video online amounted to a direct violation of the child’s right to privacy.

 

He cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Child Rights Act 2003, which guarantee the protection of children from degrading treatment and safeguard their dignity and identity.

 

According to the affidavit, the public dissemination of the footage may expose the child to ridicule, stigma, and discrimination among her peers and within the wider community.

 

“The publication of the images and video has subjected the minor to potential public embarrassment and psychological distress,” the lawyer argued in the court filing.

 

He further stated that children are particularly vulnerable and deserve special protection from actions that could permanently affect their mental and emotional well-being.

 

Demand for ₦200 Million Damages

 

As part of the reliefs sought, Obasi asked the court to award ₦200 million in damages against Dikeh for what he described as the “grave violation” of the minor’s fundamental rights.

 

The lawyer argued that the damages are necessary to compensate the child for the alleged harm and the stigma she has reportedly faced since the incident gained public attention.

 

He maintained that the lawsuit is not only about seeking justice for the affected child but also about reinforcing legal protections for minors across the country.

 

Legal experts note that fundamental rights enforcement suits are commonly used in Nigeria to challenge alleged violations of constitutional rights and to seek remedies from the courts.

 

Case Yet to Receive Hearing Date

 

At the time of filing this report, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory had not assigned a hearing date to the case.

 

It also remains unclear whether Dikeh has been formally served with the court processes or if she intends to contest the claims.

 

The controversy surrounding the viral deliverance video has continued to generate heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the involvement of a minor in such a public religious ritual.

 

While some online commentators have defended the practice as a form of spiritual intervention, others argue that children should be shielded from potentially harmful or humiliating situations, particularly when they are broadcast online.

 

Growing Debate on Child Protection

 

The case has also reignited conversations about child protection and the responsibilities of public figures in Nigeria, especially when their actions involve minors.

 

Advocates for children’s rights say incidents such as this highlight the need for stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect young people from exploitation and abuse.

 

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of the case could have broader implications for how religious practices involving minors are conducted and shared publicly in Nigeria.

 

For now, all eyes remain on the FCT High Court in Abuja as it prepares to determine whether the allegations against the actress warrant judicial intervention and possible compensation for the child involved.