Man Bags Life Imprisonment For Rape In Ekiti
An Ado Ekiti High Court on Monday sentenced a 19-year-old man, John Julius, to life imprisonment for raping a 35-year-old woman, Alice Ozar in Ekiti State.
Julius, who was first arraigned in court on 7th March, 2017 committed the offence on 16th July, 2016 at Ozar’s farm on Okemesi Road in Efon Alaaye, headquarters of Efon Alaaye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Justice John Adeyeye who presided over the case held that Julius was convicted for the offence of rape which is contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 16 Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2012.
But Julius pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and assault with intent to commit unnatural offence preferred against him.
Three witnesses, including the victim were called by the prosecution and exhibits including the convict’s statement and victim’s pant were tendered and admitted.
Julius called his mother as a witness and also spoke in his own defence in the course of the trial.
The victim told the court that she was working on her farm on the fateful day while the convict pretended to help her which she obliged.
Ozar revealed that Julius kicked her and she fell to the ground after which he pressed her to the ground, tore her under wear and had carnal knowledge of her.
Justice Adeyeye held: “Unfortunately it will appear I have no discretion on the issue of sentence in view of the decision of the Supreme Court in Lucky vs. State (Supra), where it was held thus: ‘Any person who commits the offence of rape be liable to imprisonment for life.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”
