The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has handed a life sentence to Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels for raping a pastor in his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry,” in June 2020.
In delivering the judgment on January 26, Justice Rahman Oshodi expressed belief in the testimony of the complainant and other witnesses who provided uncontradicted direct evidence throughout the trial, despite the defendant’s denials. The court concluded that the prosecution successfully established all the elements of rape under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
Justice Oshodi, however, acquitted the clergyman of the second count, involving the alleged rape of another church member at his home in 2020. The court determined that the prosecution failed to prove the elements of force, fear of harm by the complainant, and misrepresentation by the defendant, beyond a reasonable doubt, to establish guilt in the offense of rape.
The court directed that the convict’s name be registered in the Lagos State sex offenders register and mandated that the cleric serve his life sentence at the Nigeria Correctional Center, specifically the Kirikiri Maximum Facility where he is presently detained.
According to the judge, the cleric exploited his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his church, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the mandatory life imprisonment for rape.
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