By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter, Ekiti State
LIFE IMPROSONMENT has been imposed on Ajewole Olamilekan after a High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti found him guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman inside an uncompleted building in Ijero-Ekiti.
The offence, which took place on 5 January 2023, involved Ajewole and another man, Omoyajowo Ayo, who lured the victim under the guise of offering her a lift before she was attacked.
During the judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Blessing Ajileye declared that the prosecution had presented compelling and corroborated evidence.
The court noted that the victim’s testimony was consistent and credible, further supported by medical findings which confirmed genital injuries inflicted during the assault.
Justice Ajileye ruled that Ajewole was guilty as charged and sentenced him to life imprisonment under Section 358 of the Ekiti State Criminal Code Law, 2012.
The second defendant, Omoyajowo Ayo, was discharged and acquitted due to the absence of concrete evidence proving his active role in the crime.
The prosecution team, representing the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, called five witnesses, including the victim, a medical expert, and police personnel.
The medical report presented in court confirmed that the injuries sustained were typical of forced sexual penetration.
Despite the defence’s claim that the encounter was consensual, the court rejected the argument, stating that both the medical evidence and the victim’s account indicated otherwise.
Legal professionals and human rights groups across Ekiti State welcomed the verdict, describing it as a step forward in the ongoing battle against gender-based violence.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to securing justice for survivors and ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.
An official of the Ekiti State Office of the Public Defender, speaking after the ruling, labelled the outcome a “powerful deterrent,” reaffirmed the administration’s stance on protecting women and girls from sexual violence.
The official maintained that the judgment sends a clear message to offenders that justice will not be compromised in Ekiti.
