Ekiti Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl
By Abiodun Nejo
An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has handed down a life sentence to Ojo Ayegbusi for the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The conviction was delivered on Wednesday.
Ayegbusi committed the crime on November 11, 2020, in Ikole Ekiti. The charge detailed that he accosted the victim on her way home from school, lured her into his room, and raped her. The victim did not initially report the incident, but her father discovered the assault when she collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital with severe bleeding.
Following the incident, Ayegbusi was arrested and brought to trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions for Ekiti State, Julius Ajibare, stated that the crime violated Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap.C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
During the trial, Ajibare presented five witnesses and three exhibits to support the case. The defense, led by E.O. Sunmonu, presented testimony from Ayegbusi and one other witness.
In his ruling, Justice John Adeyeye concluded that the prosecution had proven the charge of rape beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, Ayegbusi was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
