FEYI DANIELS: COURT DENIES DEFENDANT’S BAIL PLEA AS PROSECUTION CLOSES CASE
Read Time:2 Minute, 47 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has again denied the bail plea of Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, the Founder and senior Pastor of ‘I reign Christian Family’ church as the State government announces closure of it’s case against the clergyman, for allegedly raping two of his church members and sexually harassing one.
Babajide Boye, the Lead Prosecuting counsel, told the court on Friday, that the team would be closing it’s case against the clergyman while presenting an amended charge.
“The intention of the Prosecution is to close it’s case today,” he said.
The amended charge at the order of Justice Ramon Oshodi, of the Special Offences Court, was read again to the defendant, which he pleaded not guilty to.
Following the State counsel’s announcement, the defence counsel, Adebayo Adegbite, informed the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission on behalf of the defendant, while making an application to recall the fourth Prosecuting witness for further cross-examination with respect to count four of the Amended charge which according to him, was served this morning.
He also informed the court that, two witnesses were present in the court as regards the bail conditions while, pleading that his client be released to him on interim bail.
“We were served this morning with an amended charge. We have cross-examined these witnesses. We urge the court to invoke Section 147 of the law to recall PW4, for further cross-examination with respect to count four.
In response to the application to recall the fourth Prosecuting witness, Justice Oshodi, said, “PW4 shall be recalled at the instance of the defendant.
Justice Oshodi, in his ruling said that he would not grant the counsel’s request for interim bail, because, it is not within his court’s jurisdiction and that the bail conditions he gave on April 17, 2023 are meant to ensure the availability of the defendant in court.
He said, “Regardless, the bail conditions in my ruling of 17/4/2023 was made to ensure the attendance of the defendant, throughout the conduct of this case.”
“Accordingly, I must and do hereby refuse the request of an interim bail,” he added.
Oshodi stated further that, “It is not right for the court to approve sureties when there is no record of the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR)’s interview or records before me.
The defence counsel, Adegbite, told the court that the DCR has conducted an interview for them but is yet to file the document.
Adegbite, pleaded with the Judge to consider that he has kept his word by providing Daniel in court adding that, the defendant is not a flight risk, as he has submitted his international passport to the court and Certified True Copy of his registered vehicles.
The prosecution deferred to the court’s judgement on the defence’s application.
Justice Rahmon adjourned Daniel’s case to October 3, 2023 for the hearing of his counsel’s no-case submission.
Prophet Feyiropo Daniels, is facing a four-count charge bordering on rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, sexual abuse and Attempted rape according to the amended charge.
On the last adjourned date, the fifth and last Prosecuting witness told the court that he does not know the defendant and was aware of the case because the police informed him when they visited his hospital.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
100 %
0
0