An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday remanded clergyman Daniel Oluwafeyiropo for allegedly raping two members of his church (names withheld). Justice Ramon Oshodi ordered the founder of “I Reign Christian Ministry” to be held in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending compliance with his bail conditions. The judge set bail at N20 million, requiring two sureties each of the same amount. One surety must own a built‑up property in Lagos State whose value covers the bail sum, and the original title deed must be submitted to the chief registrar. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and have paid Lagos State taxes for three consecutive years. Additionally, the defendant must deposit his international passport with the chief registrar, and an accelerated hearing was ordered. The case was adjourned to May 9 for trial.
Earlier, defence counsel Mr Olukunle Oyewole moved a bail application dated April 10, urging the court to grant bail on liberal terms. He argued that the defendant had been on police administrative bail since May 20 2023 and had cooperated with the police. “My lord, the defendant was not informed on the day the matter first came before this court. He is a well‑known religious leader and has shown, by his actions, that he will not jump bail. The offence is bailable and he has credible sureties who can stand for him,” Oyewole said.
The state’s lead prosecution counsel, Mr Babjide Boye, filed a counter‑affidavit on April 14, urging the court to refuse bail, though he left the final decision to the court. Boye contended that the offence is serious and that the defendant poses a flight risk, noting the possibility of him interfering with prosecution witnesses. “He is a bishop of many branches and, if granted bail, may use his position to influence witnesses. He has not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting bail,” the prosecutor submitted.
Oluwafeyiropo was previously arraigned on two counts bordering on rape, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges the offences occurred in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos, contravening Sections 260(2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
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