Clergyman remanded in prison for allegedly raping church members in Lagos

A clergyman, Daniel Oluwafeyiropo, was on Monday remanded in prison by an Ikeja sexual offences and domestic violence court for allegedly raping two of his church members.

Oluwafeyiropo was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The founder of ‘I Reign Christian Ministry’ was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape which contravenes section 260 (2) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Oluwafeyiropo was said to have committed the offence in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, in Lekki, Lagos.

The presiding judge, Ramon Oshodi, admitted the suspect to N20 million bail with two sureties in like sum and to submit his international passport and adjourned the case till May 9.

Defence counsel, Olukunle Oyewole, had earlier moved for the bail of his client on liberal terms.

“My lord, the defendant was not informed on the day the matter came up for the first time before this court.

“The defendant is a well-known religious leader, and he has shown by his action that he will not jump bail.

“The offence for which he is charged with is a bailable offence, and he has credible sureties that can stand for him.”

And lead prosecution counsel, Babjide Boye, urged the court to reject the bail application, adding that the offence committed is serious.

Boye posited that there is a possibility of the defendant interfering with the prosecution’s witnesses.

He stated that the defendant is a bishop of many branches, and if granted bail, he may use his position to influence the prosecution of witnesses, being a man of authority who has the possibility of committing the same crime.

He urged the court to deny the defendant bail because he had failed to provide the court with exceptional circumstances to grant him bail.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge.