By Peace Oloruntoba

An Akure Customary Court on Thursday, May 29, 2025, sentenced a man, Mr. Eleko Babajide, to three years imprisonment for raping his wife’s younger sister, Miss Rachel Olabamidele.

The victim, a recent graduate of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, had been living with the couple while waiting for a job opportunity allegedly promised by the convict.

During this period, she was responsible for domestic chores, including cooking and cleaning.

The matter came to light after Rachel confided in her elder sister, who works with the Federal Road Safety Corps.

She disclosed that her brother-in-law had sexually assaulted her and threatened to throw her out if she told anyone, thereby jeopardising her chances of getting a job.

According to the victim, “He told me not to say anything or he would send me away, and I would lose the opportunity of finding a better job.”

Shocked by the revelation, the elder sister reported the matter to the police, leading to Babajide’s arrest and prosecution. During the trial, the accused denied the allegations, insisting that the claims were fabricated to destroy his marriage.

However, compelling evidence was presented in court, including an audio recording of a phone conversation between the accused and the victim, which corroborated her account.

In her judgment, Presiding Judge, Mrs. Ireti Sunday, found the accused guilty of the offence and sentenced him to three years in prison.

The judge stressed the need for victims of abuse to speak up and encouraged others in similar situations to come forward. She also condemned any form of sexual violence, particularly within domestic settings, stating that the court would continue to uphold justice in such matters.

The case has reignited conversations around sexual abuse within families and the need for greater support systems to protect vulnerable individuals.