The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court granted bail on Monday to Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, who is accused of raping two of his church pastors (names withheld). Justice Ramon Oshodi, however, remanded Daniel—founder of I Reign Christian Ministry—to Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending compliance with his bail conditions. The bail was set at N20 million, with two sureties each required to provide the same amount.
Justice Oshodi stipulated that one surety must own a property in Lagos State whose value covers the bail sum, and that the original title deed must be submitted to the Chief Registrar of Lagos State. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and produce evidence of three years’ tax payments to Lagos State. Additionally, the judge ordered Daniel to deposit his passport with the chief registrar and scheduled an acceleration hearing for the case.
Daniel’s counsel, Mr Olukunle Oyewole, moved a bail application dated 10 April, urging the court to grant liberal terms. Oyewole argued that Daniel had been on police administrative bail since 20 March 2023 and had remained available to the police. He emphasized that the bishop is a well‑known religious leader who is unlikely to flee, that the charge is bailable, and that credible sureties are available to stand for him.
The state prosecution counsel, Mr Babjide Boye, filed a counter‑affidavit on 14 April, requesting that the court refuse bail but leaving the decision to the court’s discretion. Boye contended that the offence is serious and that Daniel poses a flight risk, noting the possibility of interference with prosecution witnesses. He warned that, as a bishop with many branches, Daniel could use his authority to influence witnesses and might repeat the alleged crime. Boye urged the court to deny bail, stating that Daniel had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting release.
Daniel was previously arraigned on two counts of rape, alleged to have occurred in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The prosecutor said the offence contravenes Section 260(2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. Daniel pleaded not guilty, and the trial was adjourned to 9 May.
Earlier, on 4 April, Metro reported that Daniel’s arraignment was delayed after he failed to appear in court. The matter, listed as number four on the judiciary’s case list, came before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja. Police prosecutor Mrs Inumidun Solarin informed the court that Daniel was absent, noting that he had been granted police bail at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi. Investigating Police Officer ASP Yemi Temenu reported that when police visited Daniel’s home in Ikota, Lekki, he had already relocated. Seeking an adjournment, Solarin said the pastor was in Abuja for a church programme, and the case was subsequently adjourned to 17 April 2023.
Comments are closed for this story.