COZA: Lawyers Seek Justice, Task IGP On Alleged Rape Case
BY CHINYERE OBIORA, LAGOS – The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has tasked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu on justice in the alleged rape case involving the Senior Pastor, Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Ministries, Mr Biodun Fatoyinbo
Convener of COPA, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the Nigeria Police must ensure the case is properly handled and not swept under the carpet given the history of such past incidents in the country.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, Olajengbesi said it is important for the Police to be detailed in their investigations and also ensure the suspect is tried in Lagos where the case was reported.
He also said in the interest of fairness, the Police must shun manipulations by influence peddlers and the lure of taking the trial away Lagos where the victims are currently residing.
“Our demands are simply that the matter be allowed its due course within the jurisdiction where the complaint was filed,” Olajengbesi said.
The COPA chief stated that with the matter already in the public space, the Police is expected to expedite action on it to convince Nigerians of the Force’s impartiality as well as capability to protect innocent citizens against impunity being perpetrated by the high and mighty of society.
Similarly, Olajengbesi pleaded with the police to urgently execute a valid and active warrant of arrest against Mr Fatoyimbo in order to restore the confidence of the ordinary Nigerians.
He assured that the Coalition would continue to diligently monitor the case and the unfolding events to ensure fairness and justice are served in the matter.
Mrs Busola Dakolo, wife of Nigeria’s inspirational singer, Timi Dakolo, had accused the COZA Pastor of raping her when she was only 17 years old.
She thereafter filed a petition against the pastor on June 27, 2019, at the Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The rape allegations led Mr Fatoyinbo to step aside as the Senior Pastor of the church in the interim.
