Obaseki celebrates conviction of sexual offender jailed 14 years for raping minor

Wife of Edo State governor and Chairperson of Edo State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has declared that the state government has zero-tolerance for Gender-Based Violence.

She made the declaration as she disclosed the state had secured the conviction of another sexual offender, a 57-year-old man, who was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment without an option of a fine for raping a minor.

The sexual offender, Michael Ogoke, was arraigned by the police before an Oredo Magistrate Court on May 11, 2021, on a one-count charge of rape and was subsequently sentenced to 14 years imprisonment without any option of fine by a magistrate, E. O. Aimofumeh.

Speaking to journalists during a press conference at Government House, Benin City, Mrs. Obaseki said the government remained committed to reducing the incidence of sexual and domestic abuse and ensuring justice for survivors.

She said: “We are happy that Edo State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee was able to secure justice for that little, innocent girl, who was raped by one Michael Ogoke, a 57-year-old man.

“We are hoping that this would send a message around the world that in Edo, there is no hiding place for sexual predators. No more covering up for such wicked crimes. No matter who you are, the law is not a respecter of anybody. This government is saying that if you commit such a crime, you will face the full weight of the law.

“We are confident that with this desirable judgment, we have got what we hope to achieve as a committee and as a people. If we keep strengthening institutions and mechanisms that have been established by the government to fight sexual and gender-based violence, we will keep getting results.”