COZA Rape Saga: IG orders case transfer to Lagos

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered that petitions from the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Abuja, Biodun Fatoyinbo, and the Dakolos, be merged and investigated at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Lawyer to the Dakolos, Mr Femi Falana, made the revelation during a telephone conversation with Punch on Monday.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told Punch correspondent that the IG had assured that justice would be done in the matter.

While denying that the police authorities had refused to act on the Dakolos’ petition, the human rights lawyer said the case would be brought to Lagos because the family were the first to petition the police.

Busola, wife of the popular artiste, Timi Dakolo, had alleged that Fatoyinbo raped her twice while she was a member of his church.

The allegation generated mixed reactions from Nigerians on the social media, with many calling for an investigation into the case.  Fatoyinbo, who had since denied the allegation, threatened a lawsuit.

After much public outcry, including a protest march, Fatoyinbo announced to his church that he had decided to take a leave of absence over the matter.

The matter, however, took a dramatic twist on Saturday when Timi raised the alarm on his Instagram page that some strange men invaded his house with guns.

He also posted copies of police invitation letters to his family, lamenting that the police, while intimidating his wife and children, refused to invite Fatoyinbo for questioning.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Michael Ogbizi, to take over the ongoing investigation.

By this directive, the investigation will start afresh.

– Punch