An Abuja Federal High Court, 12, sitting at Bwari, has awarded a N1,000,000 fine against Busola Dakolo, wife of hip-hop singer, Timi Dakolo on Thursday.
Justice Oathman A. Musa while giving his judgment dismissed the case filed by Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).
He held that the case was empty and purely sentimental and also an abuse of judicial process.
Also, Justice Musa further ruled that the case was aimed more at cruelty than obtaining justice.
In the light of that , he fined Busola the sum N1,000,000 and held that the fine should have been 10 times more because the court’s time was wasted according to www.vanguardngr.com
Recall that Busola filed a rape suit against the COZA pastor for alleged rape in 2002 while she was a member of the church.
Read Also: Alleged rape: Submit yourself to court for justice sake, Dakolo tells Fatoyinbo
The case has caused some public unrest as some concerned Nigerians staged a protest to COZA headquarters in Abuja seeking that Fatoyinbo be removed as pastor.
Fatoyinbo’s legal team led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), had however argued that the prayers in the suit were ungranted by the court, and that the suit was frivolous and an abuse of court process.
However, the accussed, Fatoyinbo wasn’t in court because he’s not required to appear in person for a civil matter. He was however represented by his lawyers.
Since the verdict on Thursday, there has been mixed reactions on social media.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitters users.
What happened to Busola Dakolo is sad but then again, what were you guys expecting? It happened 20 years ago and she had no evidence The law is all about justice not sentiments.
How I wish this Busola Dakolo‘s story will not discourage victims of rape from coming out and reporting the perpetrators.
“In his ruling, Justice Oathman Musa held that the matter amounts to injustice & an abuse of judicial process adding that the case is empty & purely sentimental. Justice Musa said that the case was aimed more at cruelty than obtaining justice.” Whaaaat?!
So Busola Dakolo‘s case has been thrown out by a judge saying it’s a case of cruelty and sentiment against Biodun Fatoyinbo. She’s also going to pay him a fine of 1M. Don’t let me hear any “have you reported to the police ever again” SHAME!
According to the court, Busola Dakolo wasted it’s time with her case and she should pay for the ‘’time wasting’’. Don’t ask women to take up their rape cases legally or report to the police again. You can see how helpful that is.
I knew Busola Dakolo was going to lose the case because there wasn’t any evidence she was raped But if Pastor Fatoyinbo truly raped her and the court didn’t favor Bisola because she had no evidence God for sure will pass the final judgement because only him knows the truth.
I actually knew Busola Dakolo was going to lose the court case against Biodun Fatoyinbo for lack of evidence. The court isn’t about emotions and sentiments. It’s alright about facts and proven evidneces.
No matter the cause, one of the effects of this judgment in Busola Dakolo‘s case is that a lot of women who are the victims of sexual assault will think “What if I lose & I’m asked to pay a fine?” before they determine not to speak up. And that’s just sad
