COZA: Busola Dakolo Lists Prominent Pastor As Witness Against Fatoyinbo
The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, could be subpoenaed by an An FCT High Court because he has been listed among the witnesses Busola Dakolo will be using to establish her case against the Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo.
Busola, wife of singer Timi Dakolo, had sued Fatoyinbo over a rape allegation.
The FCT High Court in a writ of summons dated September 6, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), ordered Fatoyinbo to appear before it within 14 days of the service or judgment may be given in his absence.
“You are hereby commanded that within fourteen (14) days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you, in an action of Mrs. Busola Dakolo,” the court said.
“And take notice that in default, the claimant may proceed, and judgment may be given in your absence.”
Busola, through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi & Co., is seeking the order of the court to compel Fatoyinbo to publish a clearly worded apology to her on the front page of at least two (2) national newspapers and two national televisions for seven days running consecutively.
Busola had alleged during an interview with Chude Jideonwo of Y!Naija of how the Abuja-based cleric raped her as a teenager.
She claimed that Fatoyinbo had sexual intercourse with her on September 23 and 26, 2002.
The viral video had evoking shock, backlash and criticisms from Nigerians, especially the Christian community.
But Fatoyinbo, who had denied the allegation, was later interrogated at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in August.
He was eventually released on bail.
I did not ask for ‘settlement’ of 10m – Busola Dakolo
Meanwhile, Busola has denied reports that she asked for N10 million as monetary claims from Pastor Fatoyinbo for allegedly raping her.
“Following the misinformation being circulated in print and social media on the pending suit filed by our client, it has become imperative to address and clarify the true state of affairs,” a statement from Dakolo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, read.
“In furtherance of the Police investigation, the suspect (Biodun Fatoyinbo) was confronted by the complainant (our client) on September 5, 2019 at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja, during an investigation conference presided over by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mike Ogbizi.
“The Police therefore has not taken anyone to court.
“However, our client, in furtherance of her civil rights, and in line with constitutional provisions, filed a civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo on September 6, 2019. The civil suit is independent of the criminal allegations and/or investigation of the Police.
“The suit has been the subject of several news headlines, albeit with a lot of misleading information. This missive is aimed at clarifying the misinformation and setting the records straight.
“First, our client filed the civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo on September 6, 2019 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and not the Federal High Court, as widely reported. As at the time of filing the suit, the same was yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.”