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Two men have been sentenced at the High Court of Ekiti State following the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl. Justice Adekunle Adeleye handed down life sentences to Alobaloye Abidemi and Olaniyi Anu for their roles in the appalling crime.
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The court heard that on December 28, 2020, the victim was sent on an errand when she was intercepted by one of the accused. He deliberately gave her incorrect directions, leading her to his accomplice’s residence. There, both men forcibly subjected her to sexual intercourse.
Upon returning home, the young girl immediately informed her mother of the ordeal, detailing how she had been violated by two men. She was subsequently able to identify both defendants when they were presented in a police line-up.
They were then arrested and charged with conspiracy, contrary to Section 421 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, and offences contrary to Section 2(2) (c) of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) (First Amendment) Law, 2020.
Julius Ajibare, the Director of Public Prosecutions, presented the case for the State of Ekiti. He called four witnesses and tendered seven exhibits in support of the prosecution’s case.
The defendants, speaking through their counsel, Oluwafemi Alonge, gave evidence in their own defence, but did not call any further witnesses. In his verdict, the judge stated that the prosecution had proven the offences of gang rape and conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt.
Consequently, Justice Adeleye convicted the defendants and sentenced them to life imprisonment for the rape, and two years for conspiracy.
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