20-year-old Sentenced to 30 Months in Jail for Rape
In Ado Ekiti, an Ekiti State High Court has sentenced Olarewaju Seun, a 20-year-old man, to 30 months in prison for the rape of a three-year-old girl. The court had charged him on June 6, 2022, with a single count of rape, stating that on August 6, 2021, in Ado Ekiti, Seun violated Section 31(1) of the Child Right Law, Cap C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
During the proceedings, the mother of the victim testified that her daughter resisted having her private parts washed during a bath, revealing redness and swelling. Concerned, the mother inquired about the situation, and the child repeatedly identified Seun as the perpetrator.
Upon obtaining a complete understanding of her daughter's ordeal, the woman promptly reported the incident to the police, who subsequently assumed control of the case.
During the legal proceedings, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, presented three witnesses and submitted various exhibits, including the defendant's statement, images of the victim and defendant, and a medical report.
The defendant, represented by his counsel Ekene Luke, appealed to the court for leniency and presented four witnesses in his defense.
In his Thursday verdict, Justice Familoni expressed, "I am of the belief that the defendant, being a young individual, merits a second chance to rehabilitate himself and become a responsible citizen. Sentencing him to life imprisonment would hinder his prospects of redemption.
Hence, I am inclined to show leniency and provide him an opportunity for rehabilitation. Consequently, Olarewaju Seun is hereby sentenced to a 30-calendar-month imprisonment, without the option of a fine. This sentence is effective from September 20, 2021, the date of his re-arrest and subsequent detention by the police."
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