Fatoyinbo: Rights group accuses police of compromise

A human rights organisation, Social Justice League, has called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other security agencies to stop harassing and intimidating the founder and the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, over the allegation of rape leveled against him by Mrs. Bukola Dakolo.

In a statement jointly signed by the Director of the organisation, Dr. Atta Ogah, and Secretary, Barrister Bitrus Godwin, after its quarterly policy review meeting in Abuja, the group accused the police of compromise, noting that “rape allegation is a very serious matter that should not be glossed over.”

It, however, argued that “no one should be treated as if he or she was already guilty during and after investigation until a court of competent jurisdiction gives its final verdict on the matter strictly on law.”

The group stated that it had been monitoring the controversial issues and the police’s handling of the case, cautioning the law enforcement agency not to make itself a willing tool in the hands of external influences to pervert justice.

It said: “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?

“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. 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.”