LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The arraignment of Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, founder of ‘I Reign Christian Ministry’ Ikota, Lekki, for the alleged rape of his church member has been stalled at the Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sitting in Ikeja.
Bishop Daniel, who failed to show up in court, was to face charges bordering on rape before Justice Ramon Oshodi.
The Police prosecutor, Mrs. Inumidun Solarin, informed the court that the defendant was not around.
She noted that Daniel was granted bail by the police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi.
Mrs. Solarin, asked the court to give a new date for the arraignment of the defendant, as the new trial date would be communicated to the police to ensure the defendant’s presence in court.
Justice Oshodi granted the request of the prosecution and adjourned till 17 April.
A legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins disclosed that “after a consideration of the facts available in the duplicate case file, the office of the DPP is of the view that there exists prima facie, the offence of Rape under Section 260 of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 against the Suspect Oluwafeyiropo Daniel”.
The legal advice reads, “Facts from the duplicate case file reveal that the suspect, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel is a pastor and the Founder of ‘I Reign Christian Ministry’, with a church branch in Akungba Akoko where he had young people as Pastors and Assistant Pastors.
“It is also revealed that Oluwafeyiropo Daniel invites the branch pastors and assistant to his house from time for one reason or the other.
“The Complainant, Joan Akinbinu was an assistant Pastor at the Akungba branch whom Oluwafeyiropo Daniel took advantage of whenever she visits his Ikota residence.
“It is revealed that Oluwafeyiropo Daniel has presented himself as his victim’s spiritual father whom they must be loyal to and must never hide anything from him including their body lures the complainant and his other victim into having sexual intercourse with him.
“Although, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel denied all allegations and states that he had never at any time assaulted the complainant , Joan Akinbinu or any of his other victims, the evidence of the victims in the duplicate case file is cogent, direct and unequivocal and is sufficient evidence against Oluwafeyiropo Daniel.
“In the light of the foregoing, this office shall prosecute Oluwafeyiropo Daniel for the offence of Rape under Sections 260 of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
