An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 47-year-old cleric, Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso, to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl. The court also handed him a three-year sentence for coercion, with both terms to run concurrently. The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Ajileye, marks a significant victory in the fight against gender-based violence and child abuse in Nigeria.
The Charges and Trial
Prophet Akingbaso was arraigned in September 2022 on two counts: rape and coercion. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred in July 2021 and July 2022. According to the prosecution, the cleric raped the minor in July 2022 and coerced her into a sexual act in July 2021, violating both the Child’s Rights Law and the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law.
The prosecution, led by Taiwo Ariyo, presented a compelling case, calling four witnesses and submitting the victim’s statement and medical report as evidence. The defendant, represented by his lawyer, Adelanke Akinrata, chose not to call any witnesses in his defense.
The Victim’s Harrowing Testimony
During the trial, the victim recounted the traumatic experience she endured at the hands of the cleric, who was a close friend of her mother. She revealed that the prophet often slept over at their house, which gave him access to her. On the night of the incident, her mother was on night duty, leaving her vulnerable to the predator.
The victim testified, “He woke me up at midnight and claimed I had bedwetted, which was strange to me. He brought out a bottle of shea butter and rubbed it on my private parts. That was the last thing I remembered. I later realized I had been raped that night. He threatened to curse me and kill me if I told anyone.”
The following day, the cleric returned to the house when the victim’s mother was away. He attempted to assault her again, but she managed to escape and raised an alarm. Neighbors rushed to her aid and informed her mother, who subsequently reported the case to the police.
The Court’s Judgment
In her ruling, Justice Blessing Ajileye found the defendant guilty on both counts. She emphasized that the judgment was not only a punishment for the cleric but also a warning to others who might exploit their positions of trust to commit similar crimes.
Justice Ajileye stated, “This court has found the defendant guilty on the two-count charge of rape and coercion and convicted him accordingly. This will serve as a deterrent to others in the class of the defendant who have not yet been caught by the law. On count one (rape), the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment, and on count two (coercion), the defendant is sentenced to three years imprisonment. Both terms are to run concurrently.”
Broader Implications of the Case
This case highlights the pervasive issue of sexual violence against minors in Nigeria, particularly the exploitation of vulnerable children by individuals in positions of trust. The conviction of Prophet Akingbaso sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s status or influence.
Ekiti State has been at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. The state’s Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, enacted in 2019, provides a legal framework for prosecuting offenders and protecting victims. This case is a testament to the effectiveness of the law and the commitment of the judiciary to uphold justice.
The Role of Community and Law Enforcement
The victim’s neighbors played a crucial role in rescuing her and ensuring that the case was reported to the authorities. Their prompt action underscores the importance of community vigilance in combating sexual violence. Law enforcement agencies also deserve credit for their thorough investigation and prosecution of the case, which led to a successful conviction.
The Need for Continued Advocacy
While this judgment is a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done to protect children from sexual abuse. Advocacy groups and civil society organizations must continue to raise awareness about the issue and push for stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors. Parents and guardians must also be educated on the importance of safeguarding their children and recognizing the signs of abuse.
Conclusion
The life sentence handed to Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso is a significant milestone in the fight against child sexual abuse in Nigeria. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that justice will be served for victims of such heinous crimes. However, it also highlights the need for continued efforts to protect children and ensure that they can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
This case should inspire other states in Nigeria to strengthen their laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat gender-based violence and child abuse. Only through collective action can we hope to eradicate these crimes and create a society where every child is safe and protected.
