Lagos Court Discharges RCCG Pastor in Sexual Assault Case Against His Daughter Due to Lack of Evidence

 

A Lagos-based clergyman, Pastor Emmanuel Orekoya of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been discharged by the Lagos State S3xual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja after being accused of def!ling his 17-year-old daughter. The ruling, delivered by Justice Abiola Soladoye, followed multiple failed attempts by the prosecution to present a single witness in court, despite the gravity of the allegations.

The court made it clear that the inability of the prosecution to advance the case with witnesses demonstrated a complete lack of diligence. The accused had been standing trial on a two-count charge, which included allegations of def!lement and s3xual assault by penetration, both serious offenses under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Soladoye expressed frustration with the persistent delays that plagued the case. The judge emphasized that, despite 10 adjournments since Pastor Orekoya’s initial arraignment on February 26, 2024, the prosecution failed to present any witnesses. This development forced the court to conclude that the matter could not continue on such an unstable foundation.

The courtroom was tense as Justice Soladoye delivered the ruling. He characterized the prosecution's approach as a “colossal waste of judicial time,” highlighting the importance of moving cases forward in the interest of justice. He declared that justice delayed amounts to justice denied, reinforcing the principle that courts cannot operate indefinitely on allegations without evidence or testimony.

“The prosecution is at liberty to re-arrest the defendant and bring him before the court again whenever they have assembled their witnesses,” the judge said, underscoring that the case could be revived if properly pursued. However, until such time, the court had no choice but to strike out the case and discharge the accused.

The Lagos State Government had alleged that in 2017, Pastor Orekoya committed the offense at a residence on Jacob Adeleye Street, Odoeran, located in the Itire-Surulere axis of Lagos. According to the charge sheet, the pastor was accused of inserting his p3nis into the mouth of his daughter, a minor at the time. The alleged act was said to be in violation of Sections 137 and 162 of the Lagos State Criminal Code, both of which deal with sexual offenses and carry severe penalties upon conviction.

Pastor Orekoya, during his arraignment, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Despite the serious nature of the accusations and the emotional weight such a case carries, the matter could not progress because the prosecution team consistently failed to bring forward the necessary witnesses, especially the alleged victim.

The failure of the prosecution has raised broader concerns about the handling of sensitive cases involving alleged s3xual abuse. Legal experts have pointed out that while the discharge of the defendant does not necessarily mean exoneration, it does highlight systemic lapses that can undermine public trust in the justice process.

Several legal commentators have reacted to the court’s decision. Human rights advocates have called for an internal review of the prosecution’s conduct, questioning why such a serious case was brought to court without adequate preparation or follow-through. Others worry that the discharge may discourage other victims from coming forward, particularly in cases involving family members or individuals in positions of religious authority.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has yet to release an official statement on the development, though sources within the church suggest internal investigations had been previously initiated following the allegations in 2017. It remains unclear whether the church intends to take further action now that the court has struck out the case.

Legal practitioners say this ruling serves as a reminder that allegations, no matter how grave, must be supported with concrete evidence and reliable witness testimony. Justice Soladoye’s decision to discharge the defendant was not based on the merits of the accusation but on the prosecution’s failure to pursue the case with the seriousness it deserved.

This case stands as another example of how critical it is for prosecuting authorities to act with precision and urgency, especially when dealing with vulnerable victims. It also speaks to the broader challenges faced by Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly in sexual offense cases where victims may feel unsafe or unwilling to testify.

Justice Soladoye concluded with a clear message that the court remains open to revisiting the matter should the prosecution decide to return with a proper case file and witness list. Until then, Pastor Emmanuel Orekoya walks free, at least in the eyes of the law. Whether this chapter is permanently closed or simply paused remains to be seen.