A Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja on Monday remanded a clergyman, Bishop Daniel Oluwafeyiropo in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly raping two of his church members.
The founder of I Reign Christian Ministry was remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The suspect was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape. The alleged offence contravenes section 260 (2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
The prosecutor alleged that Oluwafeyiropo committed the offences in June 2020 at Ikota Villa Estate, in Lekki, Lagos.
Justice Ramon Oshodi admitted the defendant to N20 million bail with two sureties in like sum and 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, stating that the defendant is a well-known religious leader who has shown by his action that he will not jump bail.
The lead prosecutor Babajide Boye urged the court to reject the bail application, adding that the offence committed is serious, and 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.
