A Lagos court has dismissed the founder of I Reign Christian Ministry, Bishop Daniel Oluwafeyiropo, for allegedly raping two members of his church.
The accused was arraigned on two counts of rape in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate in Lekki, Lagos.
The Ikeja Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Court ordered that he be remanded to Kirikiri Correctional Center until he fulfills his bail conditions.
Bishop Oluwafeyiropo was released on N20 million bail with two sureties, one of which must be a landlord in Lagos.
The accused was also ordered to present his international passport and land title deed to the Chief Registrar of Lagos State. In addition, sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and provide proof of their tax payments for the past three years.
Lead prosecution attorney Babjide Boye urged the court to reject the bail request on the grounds that the defendant might interfere with prosecution witnesses.
However, defense attorney Olukunle Oyewole argued that Bishop Oluwafeyiropo is a religious leader with credible guarantors who can defend him.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, spoke out against his arrest on his official Facebook page.
He claims his arrest and prosecution are politically motivated and designed to discredit his voice as a prophet.
The case has sparked public outrage and condemnation, with many demanding justice for the victims.
Allegations of sexual abuse by religious leaders have become a recurring theme of late, and Nigerian authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue.
Source: OccupyGh.net
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