By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for raping a 14-year-old girl at Awo-Ekiti, ,Irepodun /Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The convicts; Adams Salau and Tobi Odeleye both 21-year-old, were arraigned before Justice Olalekan Olatawura on May 13, 2022 for raping a 14 -year-old girl.
According to the charge, the defendants on February. 28, 2022 at Awo- Ekiti conspired to rape the girl.
The offence run contrary to Section 421 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State and Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
In her statement to the Police, the victim narrated, “I know Adams and Tobi on the street. On that day, I was hawking fried meat when they called me and bought meat worth N100 each. They pretended to bring out money, but instead, Adams brought out a black handkerchief. So, I decided to leave and report them to my mother.
“When I turned, Tobi held and carried me from behind, while Adams covered my mouth with the black handkerchief. They carried me to a nearby bush behind their house. Adams first forcefully had sex with me and Tobi also did same. Thereafter, they ran away.
“I went back home crying with blood stain on my dress. I narrated what happened to my mother. So, other neighbours followed my mother to their house, but they were not at home. The matter was reported at the Police station and they were later arrested.
“I was still a virgin when they raped me,” she concluded.
To prove his case beyond reasonable doubt, the prosecutor, Adeola Arogundade called eight witnesses and tendered defendants’ statements and medical report.
The defendants who spoke through their counsel, Gabriel Abiola, called one witness. Their lawyer pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that they are young and can still be useful to the society.
In his judgment, Justice Olalekan Olatawura held, “the crime of rape and defilement of children in this jurisdiction is fast assuming a frightening dimension. It is the duty of the court to send the right signal to would be rapists.
“The only way to discourage this dastardly and bestial act would be, to punish those found guilty severely.
“I, therefore, hold that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendants had sexual intercourse with the victim and it was not consensual.
“From the proven facts, it can be inferred and I so hold that the defendants conspired to commit the offence of rape.
“Consequently, the two defendants are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”
