The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Bishop Feyi Daniels, the founder of I Reign Christian Ministry, to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of raping one of his church members.
He was sentenced to three years in prison for the offence of sexual assault on Friday, 26th January 2024.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) announced that these two sentences would be served concurrently, ensuring severe consequences for the convicted cleric.
Furthermore, Bishop Daniels will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register maintained by Lagos State, marking a significant step towards monitoring and preventing such offenses in the future.
The Lagos state government had brought charges against Daniels, accusing him of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault involving members of his congregation.
Facing an amended four-count charge, the cleric underwent trial for these grave offenses.
Judge Rahman Oshodi, presiding over the case, pronounced Daniels guilty of rape and sexual assault against a female worshipper during the proceedings on Friday.
The court’s decision highlighted the gravity of the crimes committed by the cleric against a member of his own congregation.
During his defence last year, Daniels contended that three out of the four women accusing him of sexual assault had conspired against him.
He asserted that one of the women fabricated the allegations as retribution for his refusal to assist her with financial issues.
The charges against Daniels first surfaced in May 2023 when he was remanded in court for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman at his Lekki residence.
The church member had told the court that the cleric had sex with her during a prayer session, while speaking in tongues.
The court’s sentencing now serves as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual offences and sends a strong message about the consequences for those who abuse positions of trust within religious communities.
