A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has discharged and acquitted Emmanuel Orekoya, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who had been accused of defiling his 17-year-old daughter. Justice Abiola Soladoye ruled that the prosecution failed to present any witnesses during the trial, despite 10 adjournments. The judge emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied and noted that the prosecution could re-arrest the defendant if they assembled witnesses to pursue the case further.
Orekoya had been charged with two counts: defilement and sexual assault by penetration, under Sections 137 and 162 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015). The alleged offenses were said to have occurred in 2017 in the Itire area of Surulere, Lagos. The pastor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution’s failure to produce witnesses led to multiple delays in the trial. The case was first adjourned on April 17, 2024, due to the absence of witnesses, and subsequent adjournments followed. Despite assurances from the prosecution, no witnesses appeared in court to testify against Orekoya.
In her ruling, Justice Soladoye criticized the prosecution for its lack of diligence and stated that the case was a colossal waste of time. She further clarified that the discharge does not equate to an acquittal on the merits of the case. The prosecution retains the option to re-arrest Orekoya and proceed with the case should they secure the necessary witnesses.
The court’s decision has raised concerns about the challenges in prosecuting sexual offenses, particularly when key witnesses are unavailable or unwilling to testify. It also highlights the importance of diligent prosecution in ensuring justice for victims of sexual assault.
