The Auchi Division of the Edo State High Court on Thursday sentenced Taofeek Isah to death by hanging for kidnap, physical attack and rape.

Accomplices, Jeremiah Okamudu, Godwin Adeyemi, and Miracle Pius were also sentenced to 19, 10 and 4 years in prison respectively for the same offences.

The convicts were earlier arraigned on a five-count charge of rape, kidnapping, attack with harmful substance, inflicting physical injury and unlawful trial by ordeal.

Justice Philip Imoedemhe, in his judgment, sentenced Mr Isah, the 1st defendant, to death and Jeremiah Okamudu, 2nd defendant to 4 years’ imprisonment without option of fine, while Miracle Pius – 4th defendant, was jailed 19 years without option of fine.

Mr Imoedemhe held that all the evidences tendered before the court had convinced him beyond reasonable doubt that the 1st, 2nd and 4th defendants were guilty of the crimes.

He ordered that Mr Isah be sentenced to death by hanging while the other convicts are to be taken to the Auchi Correctional Centre to serve their jail terms.

The lead prosecutor, Clement Eseigbe, had during trial submitted that Mr Isah connived with three of his friends to kidnap, gang rape and grievously assault 20-year-old Blessing Ezekiel.

The prosecutor said the defendants committed the offences on October 22, 2021, at Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

“The defendants did rub pepper into the vagina of the victim and inflicted physical injury on her by beating her with a cutlass, wood and other dangerous objects,” another prosecutor – Sherifat Adekutu – said.

The offences are Contrary to Section 4 and Punishable under Section 5 (1), (B), Section 25 (1) of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021.

In a similar case, the court also sentenced a 61-year-old-man, Taiwo Buoro, to 10 years’ imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old girl.

Justice Philip Imoedemhe, in his judgment, jailed Mr Buoro without option of fine.

Mr Buoro, a farmer, committed the offence on September 19, 2021, at Ososo in Akoko – Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The offence is Contrary to Section 4 and punishable under Section 5 (1) of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Edo State 2021.

Reacting to the judgment, a representative of Brave Heart Initiative’s (BHI) for Youth & Women, an NGO who spoke on condition of anonymity, applauded the judgement. 

(NAN)