30-YEAR-OLD MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAPING A 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN EKITI STATE

Ojo Idowu, a 30-year-old Okada rider, was sentenced to life in prison by the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, for raping a nine-year-old girl.

In March 2022, the defendant was arraigned before Justice Olalekan Olatawura on a single rape-related charge. "That the defendant did rape a nine-year-old girl on October 8, 2021 at llogbo Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child's Rights Law, Cap C7. Laws of Ekiti State, 2012."

"In her testimony before the court, the victim, a primary three pupil, said when she went to fetch water and on her way back, Idowu asked her to follow him to his house to get something for her grandmother. was fetching water to our kitchen when Oga Idowu asked me to come and get something for my grandmother, who I live with

"I stood by the door, he asked me to enter, but refused, he forced me to his room and covered my mouth with his hand, he used the other hand to remove his trouser and started forcing his manhood into my private part, shouted, but nobody could hear me because he covered my mouth.

"I wept because was in pain and he warned me not to tell anybody. When got home, I did not tell my grandmother, but on the second day, when could not walk properly, my grandmother asked what happened to me, I told her what Oga Idowu did for me,"

Justice Olalekan Olatawura stated in his decision, "Identification of the defendant by the victim as the person who raped her is not only compelling, but credible, same not having been discredited under cross examination and therefore not mistaken. In all, I have established and proved beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution that the defendant and no other person used his manhood to penetrate the private part of the victim. Consequently thereupon, the defendant is found guilty as charged. He is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment."