In a landmark judgment, the Lagos High Court in Ikeja handed down a life sentence to Bishop Feyiropo Daniels, the founder of “I Reign Christian Ministry” in Lekki, Lagos.
The conviction stems from the rape of one of his church members, and the court also sentenced him to three years in prison for the sexual assault of two other members. The sentences are to run concurrently.
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Justice Rahman Oshodi, presiding over the case, emphasized that Daniels’ name would be added to the Sexual Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State Government. The charges were brought against the bishop by the Lagos state government on April 17 last year, alleging sexual intercourse with two church members. Daniels pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution asserted that the offences occurred in June 2020 within the Ikota Villa Estate in Lekki, Lagos, contravening Sections 260 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2015.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Oshodi underscored the credibility of the complainant’s testimony and other witnesses who provided uncontradicted direct evidence throughout the trial. Despite Daniels’ denials, the court held that the prosecution successfully established all the elements of rape under Section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
However, the court acquitted Daniels of a second count related to the alleged rape of another church member at his home in 2020. Justice Oshodi ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the necessary elements, such as the use of force, fear of harm, and misrepresentation by the defendant, beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court directed Daniels to serve his prison term at the Kirikiri Maximum Facility, where he is currently detained. Justice Oshodi, in delivering the judgment, condemned the cleric’s abuse of his dominant character and position, describing the sexual violations as heinous crimes.
The court emphasized that while rape carries a mandatory life imprisonment, sexual assault carries a three-year jail term, acknowledging that the sentences cannot fully alleviate the harm inflicted on the victims.
Last year, Bishop Daniels faced accusations of raping a church member at his Lekki residence, along with allegations of engaging in sexual relations with three other women, providing financial assistance to some.