Some 24 lawyers, on Sunday, declared to offer legal services in favor of Busload Dakota, in her ballers against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COCA church.
Busload has accused the pastor of rape, a development that has sparked widespread condemnation.
The lawyers and advocates are coming under the banner of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), saying they had volunteered to take up the case of Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo at no cost.
According to the leader of the group, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the allegation against Fatoyinbo is grievous and must therefore not be swept under the carpet.
He also recalled that similar allegations had been leveled against the pastor in the past.
He said, “We are mindful that such an allegation had, in the past, been levelled against the same individual by a plethora of women, claiming to have had the misfortune of coming in contact with him. Any reasonable individual must deduce that there is in fact a dire concern to be put to rest here by laying the whole truth bare through proactive action.
“The failure of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, now and in the past, to address these allegations and clear the air on his innocence is not just an arrogant disregard of public sensitivity but a dare to the general public, perhaps, to ‘do its worse’.
The issue of rape and sexual abuse is a contextual one with a great significance in our laws and culture. It is not just a ruthless crime but a moral impropriety that must be addressed post-haste for the culprit to face justice so the victim might find succour and respite in the sanction of the law.”
There were protests at COZA in Abuja and Lagos on Friday.
Although a group also staged a counter protest, supporting the pastor, the drama affected church service and has forced Fatoyinbo to suspend a pending monthly programme.
