Court sentences NSCDC officer to life jail for defiling 13-year-old girl
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced one Olukayode Dayo, a former officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to life imprisonment over an offence of rape.
The 39- year-old convict was arraigned before Justice Lekan Olatawura on May 13, 2022 on one count charge bordering on rape.
The charge reads that Olukayode Dayo on December 25, 2021 at Ado-Ekiti within the jurisdiction of Ado-Ekiti court did rape a 13-year-old girl names withheld.
According to the charge, the offence is contrary to section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
In his statement to the police, the victim said, “I lived with my grandmother. I was sent home to bring bananas and kolanut, on my way home, one man called Olukay (the defendant) crossed me with his motorcycle. He dropped the banana and kolanut on my head and carried me to a fenced uncompleted building.
“I shouted but he did not listen to me. He removed my pants and started having sex with me. A passerby who heard my voice entered the compound. He then took to his heels on sighting the man. The man chased him but he was unable to catch him. He returned and took me to my grandmother and explained what happened to her.”
To prove his case, the prosecutor, Julius Ajibare called six witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statement, photographs of the victim and medical report as exhibits.
The defendant, who spoke in his own defence through his counsel, Oluwaseun Oyebanji, denied committing the offence.
But he pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy and he called no witness.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Lekan Olatawura said, in the event, the victim consistently, unequivocally and unshakingly stated that the defendant who was well known to her was the person who raped her.
“In all, I find proof beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant raped the 13- year-old girl on December 25, 2021 and consequent thereupon, I find him guilty as charged. Consequent upon the foregoing, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment,” the judge ruled.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
NUPRC Bid: Nigeria warns 2025 licensing round winners against delaying exploration
The government urged the bidders to develop the assets rather than treat the licences as investment trophies or merely use them to seek technical or financial partners.
Economy
Nigeria cannot tackle housing deficit without insurance protection: Heirs
Heirs General Insurance has urged policymakers, developers and other stakeholders to make insurance protection a central part of Nigeria’s housing agenda.
States
Kaduna govt constructs airport-style bus terminals to boost public transport
The Kaduna government says its ultra-modern Eastern Terminal, designed like an airport terminal, will transform transportation and create thousands of jobs upon completion.
Economy
Naira gains N4.80 at official market, trades at N1,375.30 per dollar
The naira on Tuesday appreciated at the official market, trading at N1,375.30 to a dollar.
Showbiz
Godzilla vs Kong actress Kaylee Hottle dies at 18
“Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,” the school wrote in a statement.
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
