Quick Points:
- Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso, 47, sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in Ado-Ekiti.
- The crime occurred in July 2022.
- The court cited the need to deter others from similar crimes.
The Sinister Details Unfold
The Ekiti High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti, delivered a landmark judgment on Monday, sentencing Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso to life imprisonment. The charge? The rape of a vulnerable 13-year-old girl. Akingbaso was initially arraigned in September 2022, facing two counts: rape and coercion.
Justice Served?
Justice Blessing Ajileye didn’t mince words in her judgment, stating that the court found the defendant guilty on both counts. She emphasized that the sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to others contemplating such heinous acts. “On Count one (rape), the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment and on count two (Coercion), the defendant is sentenced to three years imprisonment, both terms are to run concurrently,” Justice Ajileye declared.
The Prosecution’s Case
Prosecution Counsel Taiwo Ajibulu presented a compelling case, outlining how Akingbaso committed the offenses in July 2022. He detailed how the prophet not only raped the young girl but also coerced her into sexual acts, causing significant physical and psychological harm. These actions violated Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, and Section 4 of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, No.18 of 2019.
The Victim’s Harrowing Testimony
The victim’s testimony painted a disturbing picture of betrayal and abuse of trust. She recounted how Akingbaso, a close friend of her mother, took advantage of his position. According to her, he would often visit and sleep over at their house. She said he woke her up midnight and said I bedwet, I said no. He brought out a bottle of sheabutter and rubbed it on my virgina, that was all I knew.
“I later discovered I had been raped that night, he threatened me that he will curse me and I will die if I tell anybody. ” On the second day, my mother was not at home, he came to our house again. “I was in the kitchen, he told me he wanted to complete what he started yesterday. He was trying to rough-handled me, but I managed to run out and shouted for help and our neighbours came to my rescue.
“They called my mother and narrated what happened to her, she slapped the Prophet when she came and later reported the case at the Police Station, she concluded.”
Evidence and Lack of Defense
The prosecution presented four witnesses, the defendant’s statement, and the girl’s medical report as evidence. Notably, the defense counsel, Mr. Adelanke Akinrata, presented no witnesses, further weakening Akingbaso’s case.
A Win for Justice?
This case highlights the ongoing issues of child abuse and the importance of a robust legal system to protect the vulnerable. While the life sentence brings some measure of justice, the scars of such trauma can last a lifetime. The conviction serves as a stark warning to those who abuse their positions of power and trust.
Related Cases in Nigeria
- Cases of sexual abuse against minors have been on the rise in Nigeria, with many going unreported due to stigma and fear.
- Several NGOs and organizations are working to provide support and counseling to victims of sexual abuse.
- Recent legal reforms aim to strengthen the protection of children and increase penalties for offenders.
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