A High Court sitting in Ado-EKiti on Monday sentenced one Jayeoba Oluwafemi, 56, to life imprison for defiling his 14 year old stepdaughter.
The 56 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Adekunle Adeleye on Dec. 4, 2020 on one count charge of defilement.
The charge reads that the defendant on Oct. 26, 2020 at Ado Ekiti defiled a fourteen year old girl (names withheld), which is contrary to Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.The victim’s testimony before the Court said, “my mother got married to the defendant, we were not living together but he used to sleep in our house especially when my mother was not at home or travelled.
“ On Oct. 26, 2020, my mother travelled to Lagos and the defendant slept in our house, at midnight he forcefully had sex with me and thereafter, blood was gushing out of my virgina. I called my mother the following morning to inform her but the defendant denied.“ He continued this act anytime my mother was not around, I used to tell my mother on her arrival but she did nothing about it.When he noticed that I was telling my mother about his continuous sexual activity with me, he started threatening me.
“ One day, he wanted to beat me and I ran out of the house, I met one woman on the road, I told her what happened and she directed me to the governor’s office to lodge official complain which led to his arrest,” she concluded.
To prove his case, the Prosecutor, Julius Ajibare called six witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statement and medical report as exhibits.
The defendant was also represented by his defense counsel, Oladele Adedeji who called one witness.
In his judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye said, “ I am of the humble view that the sexual intercourse sessions were on several occasions, it was not a one off affair.
“ And upon careful analysis of the entire circumstance of this case, the change in story or outright denial by the defendant is an afterthought.
“ The prosecution has established the offence of defilement against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.He is accordingly found guilty as charged and hereby sentenced to life imprison as provided for under the provisions of Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Law of Ekiti State, 2012. (NAN)