A Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Emmanuel Orekoya has been discharged of the alleged defilement of daughter (name withheld) on Wednesday.
Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja struck out the case of alleged defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his 17-year-old daughter, brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
Delivering the judgement, the trial judge held that the prosecution failed to present witnesses in court to prove the charge against him.
Justice Soladoye said the case of the prosecution is a colossal waste of time as there is no single witness in court to testify against the man after 10 adjournments.
Justice Soladoye, “This case is struck out for want of diligence prosecution.
“After the arraignment of the defendant on February 26 2024 till date, making a total of 10 adjournments, no witness ever came up before this court to testify.
“It is right that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Prosecution is at liberty to re-arrest the defendant and bring him to justice whenever they have assembled their witnesses to prosecute this case.”
Charged for defilement of daughter
The prosecution had alleged Orekoya defiled his daughter sometimes in 2017 on Jacob Adeleye Street, Odo-Eran in Itire, Surulere in Lagos, by inserting his penis into her mouth contrary to Sections 137 and 162 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
At his arraignment, he had pleaded not guilty to the offences.
