11th January, 2024
By Adenike Ayodele
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday reserved judgment until Jan. 26, in a case of alleged rape involving a Lagos bishop, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, aka Bishop Feyi of I Reign Christian Ministry.
Bishop Feyi was charged with raping his assistant pastor and one other (names withheld) and attempted rape of one other alleged survivor (name withheld).
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the amended four-count charge bordering on rape, sexual assault and attempted rape.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed Jan. 26 for judgment, after counsel in the case adopted their final written addresses.
The defence counsel, Mr Fola Awonusi, in his final written address, urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant.
Awonusi argued that the documents presented before the court showed malice and financial gains on the part of the alleged survivors.
According to him, there are contradictions in the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses.
He urged the court to discount the evidence of the prosecution witness and acquit Bishop Feyi.
The state counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, however, urged the court to convict the defendant accordingly.
Boye, in his final written address, argued that there was evidence of struggle, adding that Bishop Feyi forced himself on the alleged survivors.
He said the contradictions, which the defense argued about were immaterial.
Boye said: “In line with our argument, we urge the court to convict the defendant of the four-count charge.
“We have established sexual assault and attempted rape.
“We urge the court to convict the defendant accordingly.”
The prosecution told the court that Bishop Feyi allegedly committed the offence sometime in June 2020, at Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offenses contravene Sections 260 (2), 262, and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
(NAN)