Abuja-based church brands bride a “demon” after five months of failed mediation as experts warn of psychological, medical factors behind marital crisis.

An Abuja-based church, Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, has expelled a newly married woman, Oyiza, from its congregation over allegations that she refused to consummate her marriage with her husband, Isaac, igniting widespread controversy and condemnation.

The couple, who lived in Ibadan, Oyo State, were married on September 6, 2025, following traditional rites in Okene, Kogi State, and a court wedding in Ibadan. Oyiza hails from Kogi State.

According to reports, the marriage fell into crisis shortly after the wedding when Oyiza allegedly resisted intimacy, insisting she did not love her husband and claiming she was pressured by her mother into the union.

Efforts by family members and church leaders to resolve the dispute reportedly failed over a five-month period.

In a February video posted on the church’s YouTube channel, the church’s International Director, Pastor Paul Rika, publicly announced Oyiza’s expulsion. In the address, he described her as a “demon,” accused her of spiritism, and declared that she had brought shame to the church.

“So, we have delivered her to Satan. We have expelled and excommunicated her,” the cleric said, while urging members to pray for her “destruction.”

Rika went further, invoking traditional practices and making inflammatory remarks, including references to coerced marriages in earlier times and crude comparisons involving sex and consent.

Husband’s Account

Isaac said Oyiza initially consented to the marriage, a decision that led the church’s marriage committee to approve the wedding. However, he claimed that months before the ceremony, she began expressing doubts and said she had lost feelings for him.

He said she later reassured him after prayers and counselling, prompting the marriage to proceed.

According to Isaac, the situation worsened immediately after the wedding. He alleged that Oyiza repeatedly rejected intimacy, accused him of attempted rape, and imposed strict personal demands, including insisting he bathe nightly before interacting with her.

“She would say, ‘No love, no joy, no peace,’ almost every time,” he said, describing the marriage as “suffocating” and likening his home life to being “in a cage.”

He added that counselling sessions, including sexual guidance organised by the church, failed to resolve the issues.

Oyiza has not publicly responded to the allegations. Attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Shocking Spiritual Claims

Before announcing the expulsion, Pastor Rika claimed his wife had a revelation alleging that Oyiza was a “marine spirit” spiritually married to a demon, with a covenant that intimacy with a human man would result in death — claims that have drawn sharp criticism.

Experts Push Back

Mental health professionals have strongly questioned the church’s handling of the matter, warning against spiritualising what could be psychological or medical issues.

Clinical psychologist Oluwakemi Akintoyese said Oyiza’s behaviour could stem from coercion, trauma, or conditions such as vaginismus, stressing the need to hear her side before drawing conclusions.

Another psychologist, Afolabi Aroyehun, pointed to gametophobia — fear of sex — often linked to upbringing, abuse, or past trauma.

Marriage counsellor Sunday Anani emphasized that emotional connection is central to marital intimacy and questioned why the marriage proceeded after clear red flags.