The founder of iReign Christian Ministry, Pastor Feyi Daniels, widely known in 2023 for prophesying that ‘Obi will cry,’ has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence court on Friday, 26th January for the rape of a female church member.
During the trial, Daniels claimed that three out of the four women accusing him of sexual assault conspired against him. The prosecution however countered by alleging personal relationships between the pastor and the accusers, including counseling, financial assistance, and leadership roles in a campus fellowship affiliated with his ministry.
According to one of the victims, Pastor Feyi raped her twice and made her take an oath of silence on the abuse.
In response to accusations of manipulation, Daniels denied using his position as a pastor to manipulate individuals seeking counseling. He insisted, “I am not a powerful man; I am a pastor. I do not use power to counsel people; I am not a manipulator.” The prosecution further questioned the pastor about his alleged financial assistance and interactions with the accusers.
During cross-examination, the prosecution noted contradictions between Daniels’ testimony and statements written by him in police custody. The defense objected to the admissibility of these statements, claiming they were signed under duress. However, the court overruled the objections, admitting the documents and stating that their evidential value would be considered later.
In 2023, Pastor Feyi Daniels prophesied the election of Bola Tinubu as president-elect, his subsequent arrest on Inauguration Day, and the formation of an interim government headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Despite doubts about the accuracy of these predictions, Daniels emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Nothing will change the prophecy, and I should be held to account if the outcome I declared does not come to pass.”
Despite the ruling against him, Pastor Feyi Daniels has maintained innocence regarding the issue. The court is yet to reveal whether Pastor Daniels will eventually be released on parole.
