x

Rape Scandal: Lawyers ask police to investigate COZA pastor

The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has urged the police to immediately commence investigation on the rape allegation levelled against Biodun Fatoyimbo by Busola Dakolo, wife of the musician, Timi Dakolo.

Day Break reports that Mrs Dakolo accused Mr Fatoyimbo, the Senior Pastor, Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), of sexually abusing and raping her.

She claimed that the incident resulted in the loss of virtue, face and also exposed her to ridicule and trauma.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, leader of COPA, in a statement, described the allegation as grievous and must therefore not be swept under the carpet.

“In our quest to build a sane nation, no stone should be left unturned; this matter must be treated with the urgency it deserves and not swept under the carpet, as has regrettably been the habit.

“With the provisions of sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, the Nigerian Police Force must urgently invite Pastor Biodun Fatoyimbo to appear before it to rest all sundry matters related to this matter. This is our demand.

“Regardless, the police must begin a thorough independent investigation of the allegations against Pastor Fatoyimbo, given that rape is a criminal matter that is squarely within their purview and mandate as a law enforcement agency.

“The Nigerian Police are to whereupon make its findings public and proceed to prosecute the culprit without delay, where its investigations turn up sufficient material for a case of rape,” Olajengbesi stated.

According to him, no fewer than 24 public interests lawyers and advocates have volunteered to take up the case of Mrs Dakolo, at no cost.

He said that the decision of the lawyers to take up the matter was due to the fact that similar allegations had been levelled against the pastor in the past.

“We are mindful that such an allegation had in the past been levelled against the same individual by a plethora of women claiming to have had the misfortune of coming in contact with him.

“Any reasonable individual must deduce that there is in fact a dire concern to be put to rest here by laying the whole truth bare through proactive action.

“The failure of Pastor Biodun Fatoyimbo, now and in the past, to address these allegations and clear the air on his innocence is not just an arrogant disregard of public sensitivity but a dare to the general public, perhaps, to ‘do its worse’.

“The issue of rape and sexual abuse is a contextual one with a great significance in our laws and culture.

“It is not just a ruthless crime but a moral impropriety that must be addressed post-haste for the culprit to face justice so the victim might find succour and respite in the sanction of the law.”

Hot this week

CSOs pass vote of confidence on FCCO Provost Obidiegwu

Civil Society Organisations, Movement for Better Nation (MBN) and...

Wike Condoles With Arise News Over Death Of News Anchor, Vows Killers Will Be Apprehended

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has...

President Tinubu’s Birthday Message to Senator Saliu Mustapha

I extend my warm felicitations to Senator Saliu Mustapha...

Customs Sets October 2 for Online Test of Superintendent Cadre Applicants

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has scheduled the online...

Police Inspector Dies in Accidental Shooting in Kano, Rifle Recovered in Yobe

Kano/Yobe, Nigeria — A police inspector, identified as Aminu...

NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence

…Rolls out entrepreneurship fund to boost small businesses …..Distributes modern...

Wike Condoles With Arise News Over Death Of News Anchor, Vows Killers Will Be Apprehended

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has...

Sixty-Five Cheers to a Great Nation in Need of True Reflections

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of...

Nigeria @65: United, prosperous nation possible under Tinubu administration – Amagbein

By Our Correspondent Better, united and prosperous Nigeria is possible...

NNPC Foundation Boosts Economy with Agricultural Intervention, Say Kano Farmers

By Jabiru Hassan Farmers in Kano State have commended the...

Kogi Boat Mishap: Death Toll Rises to 36, 40 Rescued

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)...

Nigeria @65: Claims of Progress Are Deceptive – Activist Ukegbu

A social rights activist, Comrade Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, has...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img