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.
Crime
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
Crime
Police Rescue 86-Year-Old Man, Son From Suspected Cultists in C’Rivers
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
Crime
Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.





