Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, a clergyman, was sentenced to life in prison by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja for raping a pastor at his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry” in June 2020.
The presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, delivered judgement in the case today, January 26, saying he trusted the complainant’s testimony as well as other witnesses who provided direct evidence that was not disputed at any stage during the trial, despite the defendant’s protestations.
The court also determined that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated all of the elements of rape under Section 260(2) of Lagos State’s Criminal Laws, 2015.
However, Justice Oshodi cleared the pastor of the second allegation of allegedly raping another church member at his residence in 2020.
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The court ruled that the prosecution failed to demonstrate guilt in the rape charge beyond all reasonable doubt by demonstrating the use of force, the complainant’s fear of injury, and the defendant’s fabrication of the facts.
The court ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos state sex offenders registry. The court further ordered that the cleric complete his jail term at the Nigeria Correctional Centre, specifically the Kirikiri Maximum Facility, where he is now detained.
The judge stated that the pastor exploited his dominant nature and position to sexually assault two members of his church.
“Rape carries a mandatory life imprisonment and sexual assault carries a jail term of three years, which can’t alleviate the harm on your victims.”
Watch a video of the convict arriving the court this morning below…
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli