By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
A 30-year old labourer, Karimu Jimoh Friday, has been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure, for allegedly raping a 25-year old woman.
The order was issued by Magistrate Taiwo Lebi of an Akure Magistrate’s Court, who directed that the defendant be kept in custody until January 8, 2026, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Karimu was arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command following a complaint lodged at the Igbara-Oke Police Station on March 29, 2025, by the victim and a member of her church fellowship.
He was subsequently charged with rape.
According to the police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenimhen, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at Isarun, Oke Ilesha Street, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.
Omhenimhen alleged that the suspect unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the victim while she was returning from church, adding that Karimu had been on the run for six months before his eventual arrest.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 3 (a and b) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021.
In an application supported by a four-paragraph affidavit, Omhenimhen urged the court to remand the defendant in the correctional facility pending DPP’s advice.
However, the defendant, in his oral response, denied the allegation, insisting he was innocent and had only come to the community to work as a labourer.
Narrating her ordeal, the victim said, “I was returning from church that evening, carrying something on my head, when I saw the man and greeted him. To my surprise, he started following me. I tried to run, but he caught up with me, strangled me until I became weak, and raped me.
“After the incident, I rushed back to the church and told my fellowship members, who took me to the hospital for tests. The next day, we reported the case to the police, who began a search for him.
“For six months, the police arrested several men for identification, but he was not among them. On this fateful day, I was walking along the same route when I saw him on a motorcycle with his boss. I followed him discreetly and later informed one of my fellowship members, which led to his arrest.”
Defence counsel, O. B. Salami, argued that the victim had previously told the police that the accused was not the person who raped her, claiming his client was wrongfully accused.
Salami pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, saying there was no sufficient ground for his remand.
After reviewing the case file and listening to both parties, Magistrate Lebi ordered the remand of the defendant in custody.
The case file was directed to be sent to the DPP for advice, while the matter was adjourned till January 8, 2026, for mention.