The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has announced the reservation of judgement until Jan. 26 in a case involving Lagos Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel. The Bishop, from I Reign Christian Ministry, faces charges of raping his assistant pastor and one other individual, with an additional charge of attempted rape on a separate alleged survivor.
Throughout the trial, Daniel maintained his plea of not guilty to the amended four-count charge, encompassing accusations of rape, sexual assault, and attempted rape. Justice Rahman Oshodi scheduled Jan. 26 for the judgment following the adoption of final written addresses by the counsels involved.
Defense counsel Mr. Fola Awonusi, in his final written address, urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant, claiming malice and financial motivations on the part of the alleged survivors. Awonusi pointed out contradictions in the evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses, calling for the court to dismiss such evidence.
On the other hand, state counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, urged the court to convict the defendant, emphasizing evidence of struggle and asserting that the defendant forced himself on the alleged survivors. Boye dismissed the defense’s arguments about contradictions, deeming them immaterial.
The prosecution alleges that the defendant committed the offenses in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The charges brought against the bishop contravene Sections 260 (2), 262, and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
