For rape, an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti sentenced a 29-year-old farmer, Owajulu Tobi, to ten years in prison without the possibility of a fine.
Before Justice Adeniyi Familoni, the convict was charged with rape on one count.
“That you, Owajulu Tobi, on the 12th of June, 2021, at Ibeji-Eluja in Emure Ekiti, in the Ado Ekiti Judicial Division, did rape a 17-year-old girl, contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. R7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, did rape a 17-year-old girl, contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child’s
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“I am an apprentice hairdresser,” the victim testified in court. I went to my grandmother’s farm to harvest pepper on that particular day. The convict approached me in the farm and demanded water and palm fruits. He left after I told him I didn’t have water and that the palm fruits belonged to my grandmother; he later returned and grabbed me from behind, covering my mouth with a cloth; I tried to scream but he overpowered me despite holding a cutlass and raped me in the farm; he also flogged me with a cassava stick for wasting his time.”
Taiwo Ajibulu, the prosecutor, called five witnesses and presented the defendant’s statements, medical report, pants, tights, and shirts as exhibits to prove his case.
In his own defence, the convict spoke through his counsel, Gbenga Abiola, but did not call any witnesses.
“I hold that the totality of evidence adduced by the prosecution has proven the rape of the prosecutrix (Victim) beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Adeniyi Familoni concluded in his ruling. The defendant is entitled to the legal consequences of his actions.
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“However, the court will not impose the maximum penalty for his crimes.”
“As a result, the defendant Owajulu Tobi is hereby sentenced to ten years in prison without the option of a fine,” he said.
