By Yemi Olajutemu Ado Ekiti
An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 38 year old Oladimeji Ayodele to life imprisonment for raping a 14 year old minor.
The convict was arraigned before Justice Monisola Abodunde on 9th September, 2021 on a count charge of rape.
The charge reads that the convict on 8th August, 2020 at Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did rape a fourteen year old girl, contrary to Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
In her statement to the Police, the victim said, the defendant (Daddy Oba) was my father’s neighbour, I was living with a guardian, during Covid 19, I went to see my father, he was not at home, I went to pick the key where it was kept, suddenly, daddy Oba held me from back, I looked at his face, I asked him to leave me, he refused, instead, he covered my mouth and started dragging me towards a nearby primary School, I was shouting but there was nobody to rescue me, when he got to the school, he pushed me angrily for wasting his time, he was fondling with my breast, I was crying and begging him but he did not answer me, I attempted to run away, he captured me again, he removed my pant and forcefully had sex with me, thereafter, I was bleeding from my vigina before he left.
I was afraid to tell my guardian but when the bleeding did not stop, I called one of our neighbours and narrated what happened to her, he later told my guardian, the matter was reported at the Police Station and daddy Oba was arrested.
To proof his case, the prosecutor, Abigeal Aladejare called three witnesses and tendered defendant’s statement, Medical and laboratory reports as exhibits.
The defendant spoke through his counsel T. Obisesan and called one witness.
In his judgment, Justice Monisola Abodunde said, ‘’ Blatant and flagrant abuse of minors in ways evidenced in the instant case must be checked to save the future and dignity of our female children’’.
I am fully persuaded that the defendant is guilty as charged. I hold that he is to face the full wrath of the law as enshrined in section 31 (2) of the Child Rights Law, Cap C7, Laws of Ekiti State, and punishable under Law. Section 31(1) states that no person shall have sexual intercourse with a child.
He is consequently sentenced to imprisonment for life, the judge ruled.