Lagos bishop Daniel Oluwafeyiropo remanded in Kirikiri prison for ‘raping’ church members

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday remanded clergyman Bishop Daniel Oluwafeyiropo in Kirikiri correctional centre for allegedly raping two of his church members.

The court remanded the founder of I Reign Christian Ministry pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The suspect was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape.

The alleged offence contravenes section 260 (2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.

Oluwafeyiropo committed the alleged offences in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, in Lekki, Lagos, the prosecution said.

Justice Ramon Oshodi admitted the defendant to N20 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The judge ordered the suspect to submit his international passport and adjourned the case till May 9.

The defence counsel Olukunle Oyewole had earlier moved for the bail of the suspect on liberal terms.

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

“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.”

But the lead prosecutor Babajide Boye urged the court to reject the bail application, adding that the offence committed is serious.

“There is also a possibility of the defendant interfering with the prosecution witnesses,” Boye said.

“He is a bishop of so many branches and if granted bail, he may use his position to influence the prosecution witnesses as he is regarded as a man of authority who has the possibility of committing the same crime.

“We urge the court to deny the defendant bail because he has failed to provide the court exceptional circumstances to grant him bail.”

The suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges.