A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced a cleric, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, to life in prison for the offense of raping a pastor in his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry,” in June 2020.
The Court also found Mr. Daniels guilty of the offense of sexual assault of two members of his church and sentenced him to three years in prison.
Delivering judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi said he believed the testimony of the complainant as well as other witnesses who gave direct evidence which wasn’t contradicted at any point during the trial, despite the denials of the defendant.
The court also held that the prosecution had successfully proven all the ingredients of rape under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
But Justice Oshodi discharged the defendant of the second count of allegedly raping another church member at his home in 2020.
The court said the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the use of force, fear of harm by the complainant, and misrepresentation by the defendant to establish guilt in the offence of rape beyond all reasonable doubt.
The court ordered that the convict’s name be registered in the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register.
The defendant is also ordered to serve his jail term at the Nigerian correctional center, at the Kirikiri maximum facility, where he is currently being detained.
In the words of the judge, the cleric used his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his church.
“Rape carries mandatory life imprisonment, and sexual assault carries a jail term of three years, which can’t alleviate the harm on your victims.
In exercising the mandatory sentencing, the court said the convict poses a significant risk to society.”
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