Actress and evangelist Tonto Dikeh has responded to the criticism that followed a viral video showing her performing a “deliverance session” with a schoolgirl.

The controversy began after Dikeh visited a school in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to preach to students.

During the visit, she prayed for a female student and conducted what she described as a deliverance session.

Clips of the moment quickly circulated on social media, sparking mixed reactions.

While some Nigerians praised the actress for sharing her faith, others condemned the act, describing it as inappropriate and calling it child abuse.

Some critics even demanded that authorities investigate the incident.

Responding to the backlash, Dikeh shared a post on her Instagram page on Monday night defending her actions and reaffirming her Christian beliefs.

She declared, "THE ASSIGNMENT GOD HAS PLACED UPON ME IS TOO IMPORTANT TO GET DISTRACTED. MY EYES ARE ON JESUS AND HE NEEDS NO ONE TO DEFEND HIS NAME." She emphasized her resolve, stating,

"I EVANGELIST TONTO DIKEH WOULD RATHER BE MOCKED, RIDICULED, OR EVEN SLAIN THAN SILENCE THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO SAVED ME. I REFUSE TO HIDE GOD TO PROTECT MY IMAGE BEFORE MERE MORTALS. IF IT COMES TO IT, I WILL WEAR MOCKERY LIKE PERFUME AND CARRY REPROACH LIKE A CROWN, BECAUSE HE IS WORTH IT ALL."

She further added, "I REFUSE TO HIDE OR DIM MY LIGHT BECAUSE IT MAKES OTHERS UNCOMFORTABLE," asserting that her battle is spiritual, originating from "the kingdom of hell," and is fought through prayer.

Dikeh clarified the context of the deliverance, explaining that the student had approached her seeking prayers due to "disturbing experiences."

She maintained that prayers were offered and the situation was addressed spiritually.

This incident comes amidst Tonto Dikeh's public journey of renewed Christian faith, having recently announced the completion of a discipleship program at Streams of Joy International, led by Pastor Jerry Eze.

Beyond her spiritual endeavors, Dikeh rose to prominence in Nollywood in the mid-2000s with roles in films like Dirty Secret, Games Fools Play, and Blackberry Babes, and is also known for her philanthropic efforts through the Tonto Dikeh Foundation.