Two Teachers Sentenced to 44 Years Imprisonment for Raping Minors in Ekiti
An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced two teachers, Ajibola Gbenga (43) and Olaofe Ayodele (52), to a combined 44 years in prison for raping minors and abusing their positions of authority. The judgment, delivered by Justice Adeniyi Familoni, marks a significant step in the fight against sexual violence and the abuse of vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The defendants were arraigned on March 2, 2022, on three-count charges bordering on rape and abuse of office. The charges stated that the defendants, in November 2019, raped a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old girl, respectively, in Ado Ekiti, violating Section 31(2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012. They were also charged with abusing their offices as public servants, contrary to Section 104 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
Details of the Case
During the trial, one of the victims testified that Ajibola Gbenga, her computer teacher, had repeatedly harassed her. She recounted how he instructed her to wear mufti (plain clothes) and gave her N200 to wait for him at a filling station along Bank Road. Upon arriving with Olaofe Ayodele, the two teachers took her and another classmate to a hotel in the Oke-Ila area of Ado Ekiti, where they were separated into different rooms and sexually assaulted.
“After that day, he continued to disturb me, and when I could no longer bear it, I narrated what happened to my mother, who later took the matter up,” the victim stated in her testimony.
Prosecution’s Case and Defense
The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, presented four witnesses and tendered evidence, including the victims’ statements, medical reports, and the report of a panel of inquiry. The defendants, represented by their lawyer, Lawrence Fasanmi, denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated. They called six witnesses and tendered exhibits to support their claims of innocence.
Justice Familoni’s Judgment
In his judgment, Justice Familoni condemned the defendants for their actions, stating that they had “seared their minds and mulled the voice of conscience” as they took advantage of the victims. He emphasized the need for severe punishment to deter others from committing similar crimes.
“They deserve severe penal sanction for their misdeeds to serve as a warning to others who may want to follow in their footsteps,” Justice Familoni declared.
The court sentenced Ajibola Gbenga to 20 years imprisonment for the first count of rape and Olaofe Ayodele to 20 years imprisonment for the second count of rape. Both defendants were also sentenced to two years imprisonment each for abuse of office. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the defendants will serve a total of 20 years in prison.
A Victory for Justice and Child Protection
The judgment has been widely hailed as a victory for justice and the protection of children’s rights in Ekiti State. It sends a strong message that sexual violence, particularly against minors, will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face severe consequences.
The case also highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt action by parents, guardians, and authorities in addressing sexual abuse. The victim’s decision to speak out and her mother’s determination to pursue justice played a crucial role in ensuring that the perpetrators were held accountable.
A Call for Continued Vigilance
While the sentencing of the two teachers is a step in the right direction, stakeholders have called for continued efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes strengthening legal frameworks, increasing awareness, and providing support systems for victims.
The Ekiti State government and civil society organizations have been urged to intensify campaigns against sexual violence and ensure that survivors have access to justice and rehabilitation services.
As the two teachers begin their prison terms, the case serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to safeguard the rights and dignity of children, ensuring that they can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
