Police harassing, intimidating Fatoyinbo, says group – TheNigerialawyer

A group, Social Justice League (SJL), has urged the Nigeria
Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies to stop harassing
and intimidating the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion
Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, over preliminary
investigation into the allegation of rape leveled against him by
Mrs. Bukola Dakolo.

The group stated that it has been monitoring the controversial
issues and the Police handling of the case, cautioning the outfit
should not make itself willing tools in the hands of external
influences to pervert justice.

SJL also warned that it has found out details of the big pastors
behind the ordeal of Pastor Fatoyinbo, warning them to desist from
“their egoistic and evil ways fueled by jealousy and envy, it would
soon expose them for the whole world to know the true identities of
those behind the pulpit masks.”

In a statement by the Director of the organisation, Dr. Atta
Ogah and Secretary, Barrister Bitrus Godwin, the group observed:
“Rape allegation is a very serious matter that should not be
glossed over; however, no one should be treated as if he or she is
already guilty during and after investigation until a court of
competent jurisdiction gives its final verdict on the matter
strictly on law”.

The group scolded the security agency for what it described as a
partisan approach in its investigation of the accused saying
that:

“The Police appear to have compromised, or else, why should they
subject the Pastor to humiliation by searching his house in Abuja
for an offence allegedly committed in Ilorin 18 or 20 uncertain
years ago? Why should his international passport be seized? That he
will run away?”

According to the group: “We are surprised that the complainant
(Bukola) appears to be enjoying preferential treatment in the hands
of the Police for a rather strange reason. Under normal
circumstances, this is not supposed to be so,” the group
stated.

According to the statement, the organisation which is made up of
lawyers and human rights defenders with total dedication and
commitment to fighting for human and social justice rights of every
Nigerian is deeply worried by the antics of the police and other
security agencies.

For instance, the group flayed the anti-graft for unlawful
trespass by raiding and searching the premises of Commonwealth of
Zion Assembly (COZA) asking “What were they looking for? Evidences
of rape in order to nail the accused? This is bizarre and
condemnable method of investigation”.

It advised the Police to be professional and non-partisan in the
investigation saying that, “Pastor Fatoyinbo is not a criminal; he
is mere suspect of a very controversial allegation, which is what
the Police has a responsibility to find out, instead of treating
the accused as a criminal.

“We therefore strongly advise and warn that until proven
otherwise, the law must fully protect both the complainant and the
accused equally. Thus the unwarranted harassment and intimidation
of Pastor Fatoyinbo by the Nigeria Police should stop forthwith,”
the group declared.

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