The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced clergyman Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels to life imprisonment for raping a member of his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry,” in June 2020.
In delivering the judgment today, January 26, presiding judge Justice Rahman Oshodi stated his belief in the testimony of the complainant and other witnesses who provided uncontradicted evidence during the trial, despite the defendant’s denials.
The court also found that the prosecution successfully proved all elements of rape under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.
However, Justice Oshodi acquitted the clergyman of the second count of allegedly raping another church member in his house in 2020.
The court ruled that the prosecution did not sufficiently prove the use of force, fear of harm by the complainant, and misrepresentation by the defendant to establish guilt in the rape offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Speaking further, the judge mandated the convict’s name to be registered in the Lagos State sex offenders register.
In addition, he ordered the clergyman to serve his prison sentence at the Nigeria Correctional Center, specifically the Kirikiri Maximum Facility where he is currently held.
According to the judge, Pastor Feyi used his influence and position to sexually violate the victim.
“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,” he said.
Watch a video of the convict arriving the court this morning below…
