Crime
BREAKING: Lagos Pastor Bags Life Sentence For Raping Church Member
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence court has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Feyi Daniels, the founder of iReign Christian Ministry, for the heinous act of raping a church member.
The trial judge, Rahman Oshodi, declared the Lagos-based cleric guilty of rape and sexual assault, following a case brought against him by a female worshipper.
During the trial, Bishop Daniels took the stand in his own defense, claiming that three out of four women accusing him of sexual assault had conspired against him.
Under cross-examination by the prosecution’s lead counsel, Babajide Boye, it was alleged that the defendant maintained a personal relationship with the accusers. Bishop Daniels was accused of providing financial assistance, counseling, and support to these women, actions he vehemently denied.
Boye questioned Daniels about using his pastoral position to manipulate those seeking counseling. The prosecutor claimed, “You are a man of God. Are you not? A powerful man of God. You get trained to counsel, and you use wisdom and the leading of the spirit to manipulate.”
However, the Bishop firmly refuted the accusation, stating, “I am not a powerful man; I am a pastor. I do not use power to counsel people; I am not a manipulator.”
The trial also delved into alleged interactions at the Akungba fellowship centre in Ondo State, where one of the victims reportedly expressed discontent upon seeing the pastor.
Daniels attributed this reaction to financial constraints and denied tampering with WhatsApp messages between him and an alleged victim.
During cross-examination, the prosecution sought to tender statements purportedly written by the defendant while in police custody.
Despite objections from the defense, Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the documents, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State (2021).
The trial has sparked intense debate surrounding the power dynamics within religious institutions and the protection of victims in cases of sexual assault.
The court’s decision to admit the contested statements sets the stage for further examination of the evidence and the pursuit of justice for the survivors involved.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached an out-of-court settlement with renowned barman, Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding charges of naira abuse.
This development surfaced during the latest court proceedings presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare.
Cubana Chief Priest has been facing a three-count-charge related to the misuse of the national currency at a social gathering, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Details later.. . ..
Gunmen staged a brazen attack on Bmuko community in the Dutse Baupma area of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday night, abducting four residents.
According to Mr. Isah, a community member, the invasion commenced around 11:50 pm at the residence of Engineer Patrick, where his wife and brother were among those kidnapped.
The assailants, reportedly numbering around 30, descended upon Zone C, Road 5, unleashing gunfire before forcibly entering the engineer’s home and abducting two family members.
He said “From the engineer’s house, after carrying his wife and brother, they divided themselves into two groups. One group went towards the riverside that leads to Kubwa and Bwari, while the other group went towards the hillside.
“It was the group going towards the hillside that stopped at a nearby house where they kidnapped a Pastor and another young man. We could not do anything, we were scared to death during the period of the attack.”
A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that they first became aware of the attack when gunshots rang out just minutes before midnight.
He stated that it was then that a fellow resident, residing among them, alerted them to the dire situation via a voice message on their communication platform, indicating that they were under assault.
He said “Swiftly, our security personnel came down, we had to make calls to the FCDA Police Station, luckily we had intervention from them, and soldiers also came to our rescue. However, the whole thing turned to something else, as nobody was arrested.
“The kidnappers went with three or four people. As we speak, the soldiers that went in search of them have returned without rescuing them. The policemen are still in the bush searching for them.
“We have been demanding for Police outpost here in the Bmuko community, this is a populated environment. Whatever is happening here is not out of the knowledge of the security architecture of the FCT.”
Emphasizing the need for increased police presence, the community leader highlighted that regular patrols, occurring three to four times a week, would significantly enhance security and reinforce the presence of law enforcement in the area.
“The people will also be guided both in information and movement. We are trusting that those kidnapped would be rescued safely. They have not contacted anyone yet. We are seriously praying for their safety.
“The wife and brother of one Engineer Patrick were also among the people that were kidnapped, and also a Pastor. The kidnappers came with AK47, because some of the guys during the night search picked up about two or three bullets of AK47 on the ground
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, and the entire command are in mourning following the tragic death of a Police Inspector, Sunday Baba.
Biztellers reports that Inspector Baba was shot and killed by unknown assailants on Wednesday night.
However the details of the incident remain unclear.
CP Disu expressed his condolences in a post via his X handle, recognizing Inspector Baba’s bravery and dedication to duty while serving in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State.
He wrote, “Yesterday night, Inspector Sunday Baba, a brave Police Officer serving at Rumuolumeni in Rivers State, made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
“Though the perpetrators fled, we recovered their vehicle. Tragically, the officer’s phone revealed 59 missed calls, 51 of which were from his wife. We bore the heavy burden of delivering the heart-wrenching news to her.
“Being a Police officer means leaving home in good health, never certain of returning alive. Those who take the lives of police officers are murdering those who stand as the guardians of the people. Let’s honour the sacrifices of our officers, may their sacrifice not be in vain.
“Goodbye, Sunday. Rest In Peace, Fallen Hero, PoliceFamily, Ultimate Sacrifice.”
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