The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniel, the founder of “I Reign Christian Ministry” to life imprisonment for rape.

The cleric who was accused of raping two of his church members, including a 25-year assistant pastor, was dragged to court in 2023 by the Lagos State Government on a two-count charge of rape contrary to section 260 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The state had claimed that the defendant, allegedly committed the offences sometime in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos and presented its witnesses, one of whom testified before the court that the convict raped
her while speaking in tongues.

The defantant pleaded not guilty to the charge and the defence counsel, Fola Awonusi, urged the court to discharge and acquit his client because the evidence presented by the state showed malice and financial gains on the part of the alleged survivors/witnesses.

The prosecting counsel, Babajide Boye, argued that there was evidence of struggle, adding that the defendant forced himself on the alleged survivors, and urged the court to convict Daniel on the weight of the evidence adduced before it.

Delivering judgment on Friday, the court found Daniels guilty of the offence of rape as it said the prosecution had proven ingredients of rape.

The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi discharged the defendant of the second count of allegedly raping another church member at his home in 2020.

The trial Judge said the cleric used his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his church and as well poses a significant risk to the society.

He said: “Rape carries a mandatory life imprisonment and sexual assault carries a jail term of three years, which can’t alleviate the harm on your victims.”

Additionally, the court ordered the convict serve his jail term at the Nigeria correctional center, kirikiri, where he is currently being detained.

The court also ordered that the convict’s name be registered in the Lagos state sex offenders register.