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Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels of “I Reign Christian Ministry” has been handed a life sentence by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja. The conviction stems from the rape of a church member in June 2020, with the court also finding Daniels guilty of sexually assaulting two other members, resulting in a three-year prison term.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, delivering the verdict, emphasized belief in the complainant’s testimony and uncontradicted direct evidence from witnesses. The court concluded that the prosecution successfully established all rape elements under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
However, the second count, alleging the rape of another church member at Daniels’ home in 2020, was dismissed. The court cited the prosecution’s failure to prove the use of force, fear of harm, and misrepresentation, crucial elements for establishing guilt in the rape offense.
The convicted pastor’s name is now to be added to the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, and he is directed to serve his sentence at the Nigeria Correctional Center, specifically the Kirikiri Maximum Facility where he is presently detained.
Justice Oshodi, in his remarks, highlighted how Daniels had exploited his dominant position to sexually violate two church members. The court stressed the severity of the crimes, with rape carrying a mandatory life sentence and sexual assault warranting a three-year jail term, emphasizing that such penalties are commensurate with the harm inflicted on the victims.
Concluding the sentencing, the court declared that the convict poses a significant risk to society, justifying the imposition of the mandatory life imprisonment.
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