• He shaved my public hair, ampit, escapee from convict’s dungeon recounts

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

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An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, has sentenced a 33-year old man, Bidemi Oluwatuyi, to a total of 84 years imprisonment for offences bordering on attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, and rape.

The convict was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on a four-count charge on July 21, 2021.

According to the charge, the incident occurred on July 7, 2021, at Omuo-Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of the court.

The offences, according to the prosecution, were contrary to Sections 320 and 402(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012; Section 2 of the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law No. 18 of 2019; and Section 3 of the Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism (Prohibition) Law No. 12 of 2015.

Familoni was said to have attacked and attempted to murder a civil servant, one Agnes Abiodun, whom he also kidnapped, raped, and dispossessed of her personal items including a phone, charger, wristwatch, ATM cards, and other valuables.

Narrating her ordeal before the court, the victim said: “I was on my way to the office around 8:00 a.m., taking a bush path commonly used by residents. Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind and held my neck tightly. I could barely breathe as he dragged me into the bush, tied me up and stuffed a handkerchief in my mouth.

“He took my wristwatch, phone, charger, ATM cards, and other belongings. He held my neck again until I passed out. When I regained consciousness, I realised he had raped me and shaved the hair on my armpit and private part. He had already fled.

“Though I saw passersby, I couldn’t scream because my mouth was gagged. I eventually crawled out of the bush and was rescued by some good Samaritans who took me to the hospital.

” I was in the bush from 8:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. I later described the assailant, and some people identified him. He was eventually arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Omuo-Ekiti.”

To establish its case, the prosecution team led by Oluwaseun Olasanmi called four witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including the defendant’s statement and a medical report.

The defendant, who was represented by counsel, Charles Ayobioloja, testified in his own defence, but did not call any witnesses. He, however, pleaded for leniency.

Delivering judgment, Justice Familoni held: “It is my finding that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt the offences of attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, and rape against the defendant.

“The sole issue for determination is resolved in favour of the prosecution. Accordingly, he is convicted on all the counts as charged.”

The judge consequently sentenced Oluwatuyi to 21 years imprisonment on each of the four counts, totally 84 years, without the option of a fine.

“The sentences are to run concurrently, starting from the date of his arrest and detention,” the court declared.