The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has asked the police to invite Biodun Fatoyinbo, pastor of CommonWealth of Zion Assembly
The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has asked the police to invite Biodun Fatoyinbo, pastor of CommonWealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), over the allegation of rape levelled against him.
Busola Dakolo, wife of singer, Timi Dakolo, had accused Fatoyimbo of raping her when she was 16.
In a statement on Friday, Pelumi Olajengbesi, COPA convener, said the police ought to probe the allegation, given that rape is a criminal offence.
“By a community reading or Sections 4 & 24 of the Police Act, the Nigeria Police Force must urgently invite Pastor Biodun Fatoyimbo to appear before it to out to rest all sundry matters related thereto this matter. This is a demand,” the statement read.
“Regardless, the force must begin a thorough independent investigation of the allegations against Pastor Fatoyimbo given that rape is a criminal matter squarely within their purview and mandate as the law enforcement arm of the people. The Nigeria Police Force are to whereupon make its findings public and proceed to prosecute the culprit, without delay, where it’s investigations turn up sufficient material for a case of rape.
“Twenty-Four Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates have volunteer and are poised with alacrity to undertake at no cost the cause of Mrs. Busola Dakolo in this matter even as progressive efforts are underway to facilitate and sustain a channel of communication between us and the Dakolo family in such a truly trying time.”
Olajengbensi added that the matter must be treated with the urgency it deserves and not swept under the carpet as has regrettably been the habit.
Abuja police commissioner, Bala Ciroma has said that the police need complaints from victims or witnesses or both to proceed with rape charges. He said, “They should file a formal complaint, and then the police can see how to proceed from there.”
The rape allegation against Pastor Fatoyinbo has been the major topic of discussion since Timi Dakolo’s wife, Busola Dakolo accused the preacher of raping her when she was sixteen. Meanwhile, the pastor has denied the allegation in a statement he released on Friday, June 28, 2019, saying has never had any private interaction with Busola Dakolo beyond his pastoral duties.
