Bishop Oluwafeyiropo (Feyi) Daniels, the founder of iReign Christian Ministry in Ikota, appeared in court on Monday on two counts of rape. The Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecution ordered Daniels’ arraignment in March after two victims made statements to the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

The Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Agency is also involved in the case, which was considered by the DPP in December 2022. The legal advice issued by the DPP director stated that there is a “prima facie offence of rape” against Daniels under Section 260 of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

According to the DPP report, Daniels allegedly took advantage of one of the assistant pastors whenever she visited his residence in the Ikota area of Lagos. The report also revealed that Daniels had a church branch in Akungba Akoko (Ondo) where he had young people as pastors and assistant pastors. He allegedly invited them to his house from time to time for various reasons.

Daniels pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on conditions that included a N20 million bond and two sureties with property in the state. Justice Ramon A. Oshodi ordered an accelerated hearing and remanded Daniels at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until he fulfils the bail conditions. The judge also directed Daniels to submit his international passport to the court and adjourned the trial to May 9th, 2023.

The case has attracted attention due to Daniels’ controversial prediction about the presidential election. He predicted the arrest of President-elect Bola Tinubu on the day of inauguration, adding that Peter Obi would eventually become President. Tinubu’s ally and National Coordinator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju, SWAGA, Dayo Adeyeye, called the clergyman “fake.”

The trial has been adjourned to May 9th, 2023, and the judge has ordered an accelerated hearing. The case is being closely watched, and Daniels’ reputation as a church leader may be at stake.