Justice Rahmon Oshodi fixed the date following the defendant’s absence in court to take his plea in a defilement case filed against him by the state government.

When the case was called at the last adjourned date, Bishop Daniel was absent and the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Inumidun Solarin told the court that the defendant was granted administrative bail by the Police at Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.Solarin told the court that the prosecution has notified the Police of the hearing date.

The prosecuting counsel further told the court that one ASP Yemi told the state counsel team that when they got to the address the Bishop Daniel gave them at Alagbon, they were told that the defendant was not at that address.

The counsel therefore told the court that they had information that the defendant was currently in Abuja and had a church function on Monday. She, however, informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to open its case and prayed for a new date.

The counsel added that she will inform the police of a new trial date for the defendant to be present in court.After listening to her submission, Justice Oshodi adjourned to April 17, 2023, for the defendant’s arraignment.

A legal advice issued by the office of Director, Lagos Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dated March 13, 2023, had established a prima facie case of rape offence under Section 260 of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, against the suspect, Oluwafeyiropo Daniel.