In a landmark judgment, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has handed down a life sentence to 47-year-old secondary school teacher Ojo Ezekiel, following his conviction for the rape of a seven-year-old minor in the state capital.
Ezekiel, initially arraigned on July 1, 2022, was found guilty of the offense of rape under section 3 (1) and punishable under section 3 (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ogun State 2017.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, presented compelling evidence, including testimony from the victim’s mother and medical experts. The victim, during her testimony, detailed how Ezekiel had repeatedly assaulted her, corroborating medical findings that indicated sexual abuse.
According to Olaotan, the victim bravely disclosed that Ezekiel would lure her into his car parked under a tree after school hours, where he would commit the heinous act and warn her against revealing the abuse under threat of violence.
In his final submission, Olaotan emphasized the overwhelming evidence against Ezekiel and urged the court to deliver justice for the victim.
Justice Akinyemi, after carefully considering the evidence presented, ruled in favor of the prosecution, stating that the case of rape against Ezekiel had been established beyond doubt. Consequently, he sentenced Ezekiel to life imprisonment.
The verdict sends a strong message against sexual violence and reaffirms the commitment of the judiciary to protect the rights of minors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
(Punch)
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