In a landmark verdict, the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Lagos bishop, Feyi Daniels, to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of raping his 23-year-old assistant, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, presiding over the case, also imposed a concurrent three-year prison sentence on Daniels for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old member of his church, a count-three charge in the four-count indictment. The judge determined that the appropriate custodial facility for Daniels would be the Kirikiri prison in Lagos, where he is to spend the rest of his life.
During the proceedings, Justice Oshodi emphatically declared that the prosecution successfully established the essential elements of both offenses, unequivocally branding Daniels as a “liar” with no regard for the truth.
The court, however, delivered a mixed verdict by discharging and acquitting Daniels on count two of the charge, which pertained to the rape of another church member, whose identity remains confidential. Justice Oshodi clarified that there was an apparent element of consent involved in this particular case.
Additionally, the bishop was cleared of count four, an attempted rape charge involving yet another church member. The judge’s decision hinged on the lack of evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Feyi Daniels, the Bishop of I Reign Christian Ministry in Lagos, faced an amended four-count charge encompassing grave charges of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. The charges were brought under Section 260(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The sentencing marks a crucial milestone in the fight against sexual offenses, demonstrating the commitment of the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The news comes as a vindication for the survivors and an affirmation of the principle that sexual violence will not be tolerated in society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported extensively on the trial, underscoring the gravity of the charges and the legal proceedings that ultimately led to this consequential judgment. The case serves as a reminder of the imperative to address and eradicate sexual violence in all its forms within our communities.
