Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nollywood star and self‑described evangelist Tonto Charity Dikeh has been thrust into a high-profile legal dispute in Nigeria following a widely circulated video showing her performing a spiritual intervention on a young schoolgirl that has since ignited heated debate across the country. The lawsuit, filed this week in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, alleges that Dikeh’s actions violated the child’s constitutional rights, raising fresh questions about the boundaries between faith-based practices, child protection and social media conduct.
The case was initiated by human rights lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi, who filed a fundamental rights enforcement action at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II, Abuja. The complaint stems from a viral video and photos posted on Dikeh’s official Facebook page on March 6, 2026, in which she is seen conducting what is described as a deliverance or “exorcism” session involving the schoolgirl.
According to the court documents, the footage shows the girl laid on the ground and pressed against a stony surface while Dikeh performs what observers have described as a religious cleansing ritual. The suit contends that the treatment amounted to degrading conduct, exposing the minor to public humiliation and potential psychological trauma. It further argues that the publication of the video and photos on social media constituted a violation of the child’s right to privacy as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Child Rights Act 2003.
In his affidavit, Obasi described the incident as a “vicious religious exorcism” that humiliated and harassed the child while also subjecting her to ridicule in her community. He stated that the girl has faced ongoing stigmatization since the video went viral, harming her reputation and interfering with her ability to attend school without embarrassment.
The suit seeks a sweeping set of remedies from the court. Beyond declaring that the actions violated the child’s fundamental rights to dignity and dignity of human person as articulated under Section 34 of the Constitution, the lawyer is asking the court to order Dikeh to remove all related videos and images from her social media platforms and publish an unreserved public apology to both the affected student and Nigerian children more broadly. He has also demanded a perpetual injunction barring her from conducting similar acts involving children and is seeking ₦200 million in damages for the alleged harm suffered by the girl.
The filing has drawn strong reactions from civil society and online audiences. Supporters of the lawsuit argue that it highlights serious concerns about child rights and the responsibilities of public figures, especially when their actions are broadcast to large audiences. Many commentators on social media have described the video as a disturbing example of a powerful individual performing a ritual on a minor without clear consent and for entertainment or publicity purposes.
Human rights advocates have also warned that content published online involving children must be handled with extreme caution. They note that viral videos, even when intended to showcase religious or cultural practices, can inadvertently expose minors to long-term stigma, discrimination and emotional harm. These advocates have called on government agencies, such as the National Human Rights Commission and child protection organisations, to investigate the broader implications of such content.
Critics of Dikeh have been equally vocal, questioning why a senior public figure and proclaimed born-again Christian would subject a child to such overt physical and emotional exposure. Some detractors have called the act “primitive” and “reckless” and argue that spiritual deliverance should never involve minors without clear parental consent and professional oversight. They have also alleged that the timing of the ritual, carried out in harmattan conditions known for dusty winds, risked exposing the child to respiratory ailments.
In response to the controversy, Dikeh has maintained a relatively calm public stance. While many celebrities facing public scrutiny would rush to social media with defences or clarifications, Dikeh’s recent online presence has been dominated by religious postings emphasizing her commitment to her faith and “God’s assignment.” Some observers interpret this as an attempt to shift the narrative away from the legal battle and criticism.
This is not the first time Dikeh has been at the centre of public debate over her actions and influence. Over the years, the actress has cultivated a reputation for being outspoken and unafraid of controversy, with past incidents—including calls for justice in high-profile cases—drawing both praise and criticism. However, legal experts note that this lawsuit stands apart in its potential implications: it directly raises constitutional questions about children’s rights, privacy, and the responsibilities of adults in positions of power when engaging with minors in public and private spheres.
Legal commentators have emphasised that the case could have far-reaching consequences beyond Dikeh’s personal reputation. If the court rules in favour of the claimant, it may set a precedent in Nigeria’s emerging jurisprudence on how social media, religious expression, and child protection intersect. Lawyers also point out that the suit could influence how digital platforms handle content involving children and what legal obligations public figures have when sharing such material.
For now, the matter remains before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. No hearing date has been publicly announced, and neither Dikeh nor her legal representatives have issued a formal response to the lawsuit. Observers expect that as the case progresses, it will attract further attention from child advocacy groups, media regulators and ordinary Nigerians concerned about the welfare of children in an era where social media can make any moment instantly public.
As this high-stakes legal drama unfolds, it continues to stimulate important national conversations about faith, celebrity influence, and the protections that should be afforded to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens. The outcome could resonate far beyond the courtroom, potentially prompting changes in public behaviour, legal standards, and the ways in which social media content involving minors is regulated and shared.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments