Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, a priest, has been sentenced to life in prison by the Lagos State Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja for the crime of raping a pastor at his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry,” in June 2020.
In addition, the court found Mr. Daniels guilty of sexually assaulting two members of his congregation and handed down a three-year prison sentence.
Despite the defendant’s denials, Justice Rahman Oshodi stated in his verdict that he accepted the complainant’s testimony and the testimony of other witnesses who provided direct evidence that was never refuted throughout the trial.
The prosecution’s successful demonstration of all the elements of rape under section 260(2) of the Lagos State 2015 criminal code was also upheld by the court.
However, the defendant was found not guilty on the second allegation of allegedly raping a church member in his residence in 2020 by Justice Oshodi.
The prosecution’s failure to prove the elements of force used, the complainant’s fear of injury, and the defendant’s deception to prove the offender’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt was noted by the court.
The convict’s name must be entered on the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, per the court’s ruling.
Additionally, it is mandated that the defendant serve out his sentence at the Nigeria Correctional Center’s Kirikiri Maximum Facility, where he is presently being held.
The judge claimed that the pastor sexually assaulted two members of his church by abusing his position of power and dominance.
Sexual assault involves a three-year jail sentence and obligatory life imprisonment, neither of which can lessen the suffering done to the victims.
The court stated that the convict “poses a significant risk to society” in order to enforce the mandatory sentence.