The scheduled arraignment of the founder of ‘I Reign Christian Ministry,’ Ikota, Lekki, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel over allegations of rape was stalled on Monday before an a Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court.
Bishop Daniel was expected to stand trial before Justice Ramon Oshodi over charges bordering on rape.
But he was not in court when the court’s registrar called his matter in Suit No: ID/21275C/2023.
However, the State Counsel, Mrs. Inumidun Solarin informed the court that the defendant was granted administrative bail by the Police at Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Mrs. Solarin informed the court that the prosecution informed the Police of the hearing date.
The lawyer said they were informed by one ASP Yemi that when they got to the address he gave them at Alagbon, they were informed that the defendant was not at the address.
The prosecution however told the court that they got an information about Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel currently in Abuja and had a church function on Monday.
She thereafter prayed the court to grant a new date to open case against him.
Solarin also informed the court of the readiness of prosecution to inform the police of new trial date for the defendant.
Justice Oshodi granted the request of prosecution and adjourned till April 17.
A legal advice issued by the office of Director, Department of Public Prosecutions, DPP, dated March 13 states, “it’s 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.
“Facts from the duplicate case file reveal that the suspect, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, is a pastor and the founder of I Reign Christian Ministry; that he had a church branch in Akungba Akoko, Ondo where he had young people as pastors and assistants pastors. It is also revealed that Oluwafeyiropo Daniel invites the branch pastors and assistant to his house from time to time for one reason or the other.”
