Pastor Rape Accusers ‘lives under threat’

A Nigerian couple at the heart of a rape accusation against a leading pastor in the country, say their lives are at risk.

Photographer Busola Dakolo and her husband Timi Dakolo held a press conference in Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos on Sunday. Mr Dakolo is quoted by online newspaper Premium Times as saying: “We have been followed, our home has been watched.”

In a widely-shared video last month, Ms Dakolo alleged that Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (Coza) raped her as a teenager, prompting protests at branches of the church. The pastor has denied the accusation, and has since “taken a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church”.

On Saturday, Mr Dakolo posted on his Instagram page that some police officers forced their way into his home, and attempted to take him and his wife away.

The police later confirmed they invited the couple as part of an on-going investigation touching on the “wider and highly publicised case involving Bisola Dakolo, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and others”.

The actions of the police were criticised online and drew reactions from Amnesty International and Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari.

Tagging the country’s police chief, Mrs Buhari shared a report about the way the Dakolos have been treated and added the hashtag #SayNoToRape.

Source: BBC