An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced one Olamilekan Ajewole to life imprisonment for raping a 10-year old girl.
Thirty-three-year-old Ajewole and one Ayo Omoyajowo, 25 years, were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Adekunle Adeleye on two-count charge bordering on rape and conspiracy.
Omoyajowo, was however discharged and acquitted of the crimes by the court.
The defendants, according to the charges had on 29th June, 2024 at Ayetoro Ekiti conspired to rape the victim, contrary to 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 that she went to her father’s friend’s house, Mr. Akogba around 6pm on the said day and met his wife identified as Aunty Ayo, who gave her food.
She said after the meal, the defendant, also known as Paskolo knocked the door and came in. “At this time, Aunty Ayo had finished eating and went out.”
The victim added that the defendant sat on the bed but met the door locked after finishing her food and about to go out. “I stood up to go outside but the door has been locked, then the defendant grabbed me from behind, I was shouting, he covered my mouth with his palm. He forcefully removed my underwear and raped me.”
She added that the convict thereafter brought out a handkerchief from his pocket and used it to clean the blood coming from her private part amid weeping.
“I narrated what happened to my father when I got home”, she concluded.
The prosecutor, O.B Ayeleso called five witnesses and tendered defendant’s statements, CD ROM, flash drive, medical report and medical documents as exhibits to prove his case.
For his part, the convict, who spoke through his lawyer and called one witness, exonerated the second defendant, Omoyajowo, saying that she knew nothing about the incident.
Delivering his judgement, Justice Adeleye said, “I find no inferable circumstance linking the second defendant (Omoyajowo) to the commission of rape with the first defendant. She is hereby acquitted and discharged.
“On the whole, the prosecution has established the essential ingredients of the offence of rape against the first defendant beyond reasonable doubt. He is found guilty as charged.
“Consequently, the first defendant (Ajewole) is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment as provided for by Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap.C7, Laws of Ekiti State 2012”, the judge ruled.
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