Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday discharged a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Emmanuel Orekoya, who was arraigned for allegedly defiling his 17-year-old daughter.
Justice Soladoye struck out the two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration brought against Orekoya by the state government for lack of diligent prosecution.
In her ruling during Wednesday’s proceedings, the judge held that the prosecution failed to present witnesses to prove the charge against the defendant.
She also held, “The prosecution’s case is a colossal waste of time as there is no single witness in court to testify against the pastor after 10 adjournments.
“This case is struck out for want of diligent prosecution.
“After the defendant’s arraignment on February 26, 2024, to date, making a total of 10 adjournments, no witness has ever come up before this court to testify.
“It is right that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Prosecution is at liberty to re-arrest the defendant and bring him to justice whenever they have assembled their witnesses to prosecute this case,” the judge stated.
The prosecution had accused the defendant of defiling his daughter sometimes in 2017 on Jacob Adeleye Street, Odoeran in Itire, Surulere in Lagos, by inserting his penis into her mouth contrary to Sections 137 and 162 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015).
The pastor had, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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