Justice Semiu Kuteyi of the Ondo State High Court, Olokuta, has dismissed the rape charge against cleric and popular broadcaster, Gbenga Filani. Filani, known for hosting the widely followed program ‘OWUYE,’ faced accusations in 2021 of raping a 19-year-old pregnant woman.
The official charge against Filani read, “That you, Gbenga Filani, on December 8, 2021, around 3:43 pm at the Celestial Church of Christ, Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road, Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully have carnal knowledge of a 19-year-old woman without her consent, under the pretext of spiritual healing, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Additionally, he was charged with indecent assault. The charge stated, “That you, Gbenga Filani, on the same date, time, and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did unlawfully and indecently assault her by touching her private parts against her will, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 360 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Filani and his legal team, led by Mr. Adelanke Akinrata, moved for his discharge and acquittal, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to substantiate the charges. After reviewing the arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, Justice Kuteyi found the evidence inadequate to support the accusations against Filani, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Filani consistently maintained his innocence. Following the court’s decision, he expressed immense relief and gratitude, attributing his vindication to divine intervention.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Filani’s prominence as a broadcaster and the serious nature of the allegations. The decision to dismiss the charges has sparked varied reactions among the public and media observers. Some have expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, believing it upholds justice, while others remain skeptical and demand further scrutiny into the handling of the case.
Filani’s ordeal began in December 2021 when the 19-year-old woman, who was five months pregnant at the time, accused him of rape under the guise of providing spiritual healing. The allegations quickly gained traction, leading to widespread media coverage and a public debate about the role of faith healers and the potential for abuse in such contexts.
The defense’s strategy focused on undermining the prosecution’s evidence, which they argued was not compelling enough to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Akinrata emphasized discrepancies and inconsistencies in the accuser’s testimony and pointed to a lack of corroborating evidence. The prosecution, on the other hand, insisted that the victim’s account was credible and that the charges were warranted based on her statements and the circumstances presented.
Justice Kuteyi’s ruling highlighted the necessity for substantial evidence in criminal cases, especially those involving severe accusations such as rape and indecent assault. His decision accentuated the legal principle that a defendant must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For Filani, the dismissal of the charges marks the end of a tumultuous period. He has expressed hope that the verdict will allow him to rebuild his reputation and continue his work without the shadow of these allegations. Supporters of Filani have rallied behind him, celebrating the court’s decision as a victory for truth and justice.
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