ALLEGED RAPE: Court Acquits, Discharges Delta Cleric, Orhonigbe

Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe
Founder, Victory Revival Fasting & Prayer Min.

"The case was a setup against the bishop Elijah Orhonigbe." Says Ayodele Olukoya Esq.

"My Lord in his wisdom found that the man did not commit any of the offense. Two out of the three of the charges would have sent him to life imprisonment. His name was smeared on the pages of the Newspapers."

The Delta State High Court 2 sitting in Warri has acquitted and discharged the Founder of the Victory Revival Fasting & Prayer Ministry, Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe over allegations of rape case levelled against him.

The Court presided over by Hon. Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi, delivered the judgement in Suit No:W/28C/2020 in November 2022.

Counsel to the cleric, Ayodele Olukoya Esq disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Church's premises on Sunday afternoon in Warri.

The legal practitioner hailed the court over the judgement.

"My Lord in his wisdom found that the man did not commit any of the offense. Two out of the three of the charges would have sent him to life imprisonment. His name was smeared on the pages of the Newspapers."

Olukoya noted that the cleric was arraigned on three count charges before the Court.

Olukoya said Bishop Orhonigbe was said to have allegedly drugged and raped a seventeen year old girl, Miracle Omalor while conducting deliverance for her at the church during a mid week service on 20th May 2020.

He noted that the image of Bishop Orhonigbe was "castigated" and he was arrested and detained by the Police.

"A lot of humiliation was meted on him at the police station. He was alleged to have drugged and raped her."

Olukoya said the cleric was denied bail at the magistrate court and was remanded in prison custody.

"There were pressures for him to settle the case but the lawyer insisted on clearing his name."

Olukoya also said the case was a setup against the bishop Elijah Orhonigbe.

On his part, Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe expressed happiness over the Court judgement.

"I am happy I am discharged and acquitted by the Court."

While thanking God for vindicating him, Bishop Orhonigbe also thanked his lawyers, Chief E. L. Umuze and Olukoya Ayodele for the good job they did in ensuring that he was acquitted and discharged.

"I also want to thank the church members who stood by me all through my trying period."

He said he was alleged as a "rapist" and sent to the prison. 

Bishop Orhonigbe he insisted on seeing to the end of the matter without settling same through the back door.

Te cleric who said he was waiting to obtain a copy of the judgment advice members of the public not take sides on matters such the one he was involved.