Absence Of Bishop Accused Of Raping Pastor Stalls Arraignment
The planned arraignment of the Founder of I Reign Christian Ministry, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, for alleged rape was stalled on Monday after he failed to show up in court.
The matter, which was listed as number four on the case list of the judiciary, came up before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.
The police prosecutor, Mrs Inumidun Solarin, however, informed the court that the defendant was not around.
She noted that Daniel was granted bail by the police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi.
According to her, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Yemi Temenu, claimed that when the police visited his house in Ikota, Lekki, it was discovered that he had relocated.
While seeking an adjournment, she said the pastor was in Abuja for a church programme.
The case was subsequently adjourned till April 17, 2023.
The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions ordered the prosecution of Daniel for the alleged rape of an assistant pastor of his church and another lady.
The case against him was investigated at the FCID, where some of the victims had made statements.
The case file was forwarded to the DPP last year when the investigation was said to have been concluded.
However, for several months, the legal advice was not released, as the victims alleged compromise on the part of the police and the state government.
