In a dramatic courtroom development, Pastor Emmanuel Orekoya of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has been discharged by the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over charges of defilement and sexual assault by penetration against his 17-year-old daughter.
The presiding judge, Justice Abiola Soladoye, dismissed the case for lack of diligent prosecution, highlighting that the prosecution failed to present a single witness to support the serious charges against the cleric. “After the arraignment on February 26, 2024, this case has seen 10 adjournments without a single witness appearing. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Justice Soladoye declared.
According to court records, Orekoya was accused by the Lagos State Government of sexually assaulting his daughter in 2017 at their residence on Jacob Adeleye Street, Odoeran, Surulere, Lagos. The charges were filed under Sections 137 and 162 of the Lagos State Criminal Law (2015), with the state alleging that the pastor inserted his genitals into the victim’s mouth.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the lack of prosecution witnesses left the judge with no choice but to strike out the matter. The court emphasized that the government retains the right to re-arrest and prosecute the pastor should witnesses become available in the future.
Pastor Orekoya had maintained his innocence from the outset, pleading not guilty to all the charges.
The ruling has sparked renewed debate about Nigeria’s justice system and the responsibilities of prosecutors in handling sensitive sexual offence cases. Critics say the case reflects systemic failure to ensure accountability, particularly in cases involving minors and trusted family members.
The court's decision underscores the principle that justice must be actively pursued, not delayed through administrative lapses or prosecutorial neglect.
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