Some big pastors envious of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, are behind his ordeal over alleged rape case, a human right and social justice organisation, Social Justice League, has claimed.
The group warned that the said pastors should desist from their antics or else they would be exposed.
This is as the group also warned the police and other security agencies to stop harassing Fatoyinbo in the course of the preliminary investigation being carried out on the case.
According to the group, in a statement issued by its director, Dr. Atta Ogah, and Secretary, Bitrus Godwin, security agencies should not be made willing tools in the hands of external influences to pervert justice.
The group observed that “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.
It said: “The Police appears 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 22 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 (Busola) 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 said it was worried by the antics of the police and other security agencies.
The group said it was wrong of anti-graft agency to “raid” the premises of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA.
“What were they looking for? Evidences of rape in order to nail the accused? This is bizarre and condemnable method of investigation,” the group said.
It warned the Police to be professional and non-partisan in the investigation saying that, “Pastor Fatoyinbo is not a criminal; he is a 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 said.
