David Nyong Okon, a self-acclaimed prophet and founder of two religious ministries, has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command following allegations that he assaulted a teenage girl, causing her to lose her sight.
Okon, who leads The God of A Stainless Hand International and The Land of Settlement Fellowship — known in Efik as Isong Utip Abasi Afia Ubok (meaning “the land of reward from God’s clean hands”) — is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The victim, Godsgift Edem Edet, aged 19, is reported to be receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) after a surgical attempt to save her vision was unsuccessful. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and has drawn significant public concern over the alleged brutality.
According to Cross River Watch, the teenager was standing outside The Home restaurant on Obame Ikoya Street, near the Calabar Municipal Council Secretariat, alongside a friend when Okon drove by recklessly.
Disturbed by his driving, the girls questioned his behavior. Godsgift reportedly spoke in a language the prophet did not understand, asking her friend what had happened — a remark that allegedly triggered the attack.
Witnesses say that David became enraged and, without provocation, punched the girl in the face, severely injuring her eye. He then attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by nearby youths who insisted he must take the victim for medical attention.
After significant hesitation, David reportedly took the girl to a nearby pharmacy on Marian (Ndidem Usang-Iso) Road, but when staff there were unable to treat her injuries, he transported her to UCTH. However, sources claim that he was rude to medical staff and abandoned the girl at the hospital, failing to return or follow up on her condition for two weeks.
Public outrage mounted after the girl’s family and concerned community members raised alarm over the attack and the lack of support from the suspect. This led to Okon’s arrest over the weekend by police authorities, who confirmed that the case is under investigation and appropriate legal action will be taken.
The disturbing case has reignited conversations about violence against women, the misuse of religious titles, and accountability for self-proclaimed spiritual leaders in Nigeria.