The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja sentenced cleric Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels to life in prison for raping a pastor in his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry,” in June 2020. Additionally, Mr. Daniels was found guilty of sexually assaulting two members of his church, leading to a three-year prison sentence.
During the judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi expressed confidence in the complainant’s testimony and other witnesses who provided uncontradicted direct evidence throughout the trial, despite the defendant’s denials. The court affirmed that the prosecution had successfully proven all the elements of rape under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.
However, Justice Oshodi acquitted the defendant of the second count, which accused him of raping another church member at his home in 2020. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, citing insufficient evidence regarding the use of force, fear of harm by the complainant, and misrepresentation by the defendant.
As part of the sentencing, the court ordered the convict’s name to be registered in the Lagos State sex offenders register and mandated that he serve his jail term at the Nigeria Correctional Center, specifically at the Kirikiri Maximum Facility, where he is currently detained.
The judge emphasized that the cleric had utilized his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his church. Justice Oshodi highlighted the severity of the offenses, noting that rape carries a mandatory life imprisonment sentence, and sexual assault results in a three-year jail term, which cannot alleviate the harm inflicted on the victims. In justifying the mandatory sentencing, the court asserted that the convict poses a significant risk to society.
