Public interest continues to grow following the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Lagos State to assume responsibility on the alleged criminal case involving Primate Sunday Oludare Matilukuro and several other defendants.
The criminal charge against the defendants is captioned the People of Lagos State v. Sunday Oludare Matilukuro and Others, has drawn widespread attention from church members, legal observers, stakeholders, and members of the public, who are closely following developments and awaiting the DPP’s legal advice and the outcome of the proceedings.
The case stems from a four-count charge of alleged conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, grievous harm, and wounding, filed before the Lagos State High Court.
Primate Matilukuro, who serves as the Primate of the First African Church Mission (FACM) and has reportedly been asked to step aside by the church’s Board of Trustees, is the principal defendant in the matter.
Others listed in charge are; Tosin Stowe, Bisi Bankole, Kemi Komolafe, Toke Akitoye, and Imabibo Kiribiforie.
According to charge, the incident at the center of the case allegedly occurred during a church convention held in Lagos on August 14, 2025. Investigators claim that the dispute arose from internal disagreements relating to church governance, constitutional amendments, and the management of church finances.
The complainant, Mr. Sunday Soneye, a former Public Relations Officer of the church, allegedly suffered serious injuries during the incident.
The police contend that he was assaulted following disagreements linked to the internal disputes. Reports contained in the complaint state that Soneye received emergency medical treatment at multiple hospitals after allegedly collapsing during the incident. These claims remain before the court and have not yet been judicially determined.
The charges were filed by the Inspector-General of Police through the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, with charge number LD/27724c/2026.
However, the case file has been taken over by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos State, who is expected to present evidence in support of its case, while the defendants retain the constitutional right to challenge the allegations and present their defence.
The case has also generated discussion among the church members regarding the handling of the matter by certain law enforcement officials, while some are calling for a thorough review of any allegations of misconduct or procedural lapses.
As proceedings continue, public expectations remain focused on a fair, transparent, and impartial judicial process. And legal observers note that the case represents an important test of accountability and due process, while all parties remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law.
