In a landmark decision echoing the call to say no to rape, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court handed down a life sentence to a security guard, Olawale Olarewaju, for the despicable act of defiling a 12-year-old girl.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Oshodi emphasized that the prosecution successfully presented evidence supporting the charges of defilement against the defendant, using charge number LD/2359C/2016.
The survivor, now 18 years old, bravely testified in court, recounting the horrifying incident that transpired when she was just 13 years old. According to her testimony, Olarewaju, employed as a security guard at a construction site, forcibly assaulted her when she went to fetch water at the location.
Detailing the survivor's account, Justice Oshodi shared, “The prosecutrix gave her testimony and said that she went to fetch water at the construction site where the defendant (convict) worked when he came from her back, closed her mouth, and found herself in the room with him."
He continued, "She said that the defendant ‘tore my clothes, and forcefully had sex with me, and I started having pains in my vagina.’ She testified further that she informed her parents about the incident, and her father reported the case at the nearest police station."
The survivor's ordeal did not end there, as she underwent a medical examination at Mirabel Medical Centre, providing additional evidence to support her testimony.
Justice Oshodi underscored the strength of the survivor's account by pointing out the corroboration with her father's testimony, who served as Prosecution Witness Two. The judge commended the survivor for her vivid and unshaken testimony, stating, “I believe her.”
The defendant, Olawale Olarewaju, attempted to deny the accusations during the trial. However, Justice Oshodi highlighted the inconsistencies in his statements, noting that Olarewaju contradicted himself and rendered his evidence-in-chief unreliable.
This significant ruling serves as a stern reminder that justice will prevail in cases of sexual offenses. It reinforces the imperative to stand against rape and advocates for a society that holds perpetrators accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Olawale Olarewaju sends a powerful message that such heinous crimes will not go unpunished, fostering a safer environment for all.
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