The scheduled arraignment of Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, the Founder of I Reign Christian Ministry, on charges of rape, was postponed on Monday due to his absence in court.
The matter, which was listed as number four
on the case list of the judiciary, came up before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the
Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.
The PUNCH reported that 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. According to her, the
Investigating Police Officer, ASP Yemi Temenu, claimed that when the police
visited his house in Ikota, Lekki, it was discovered that he had relocated.
While seeking an adjournment, Solarin said
the pastor was in Abuja for a church programme. The case was subsequently
adjourned till April 17, 2023. The Lagos State Directorate of Public
Prosecutions ordered the prosecution of Daniel for the alleged rape of an
assistant pastor of his church and another lady. The case against him was
investigated at the FCID, where some of the victims had made statements.
"The case file was forwarded to the DPP
last year when the investigation was said to have been concluded,"
according to reports. However, for several months, the legal advice was not
released, as the victims alleged compromise on the part of the police and the
state government. It was confirmed that the legal advice was issued by the DPP
in December 2022 and the cleric had yet to be prosecuted, decided to apply for
the certified true copy of the advice.
On Thursday, March 2, The PUNCH applied for
the certified true copy and after the payment of the requisite fee, the advice
was released exclusively to their correspondent on Monday, March 13.
The advice, which was signed by the DPP
Director, Dr Babajide Martins, was dated December 16, 2022. The report stated
in part, "After careful consideration of the facts available in the
duplicate case file, this office is of the view that there exists prima facie
offence of rape under Section 260 of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of
Lagos State, 2015 against the suspect, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel."
It is important to note that the allegations
made against Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel are serious and should not be taken
lightly. The fact that he failed to show up in court for his planned
arraignment does not reflect well on his character. It is imperative that the
legal process is allowed to take its course so that justice can be served for
the victims.
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