Sunday Oluwafemi was arrested by the police in Ondo State for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl who was the niece of his wife and was living with the couple. Following his arrest, he was charged with one count of rape and brought before the Ondo State High Court in Akure.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence which convinced the judge, Justice Yemi Fasanmi, that the convict was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge held that the medical report and confessional statement of the defendant proved that he had indeed committed the offence.

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The court ruled that the defendant had betrayed the trust of the victim and his brother-in-law, who considered him a good guardian. The court also noted that the defendant had taken advantage of his position of authority and trust to commit the heinous crime. The judge emphasized that such crimes must be dealt with firmly and upheld that the law mandates life imprisonment for rape convictions.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Fasanmi said, “Based on the evidence before me, the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the victim several times, and it was not consensual. The mandatory provision is that once a defendant is found guilty of rape, he is liable to life imprisonment. I have no alternative than to sentence the defendant to life imprisonment.”

The judge’s ruling sends a strong message to perpetrators of sexual assault in the country. It is a reminder that sexual assault is a heinous crime and will not be tolerated in any form. It is also a message to the general public that the legal system is committed to ensuring that justice is served for victims of sexual assault.