On Monday, an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti convicted 47-year-old cleric Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso of raping a 13-year-old girl.
Subsequently, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment, concluding a case that highlighted justice for the victim.
Justice Blessing Ajileye delivered the judgment, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Additionally, she imposed a three-year prison term for coercion, ordering both sentences to run concurrently. The ruling concluded a case that sparked widespread outrage since its inception.
Previously, authorities had arraigned Akingbaso in September 2022 on two charges: rape and coercion. Public interest surged as the trial unfolded, reflecting broader societal demands for justice.
According to the prosecution, the offences were committed in July 2022 and July 2021, respectively.
Prosecutors filed charges under Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Ekiti State, 2012.
Additionally, they invoked Section 4 of the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, No. 18, 2019, reinforcing accountability through dual legal frameworks.
During the trial, the victim recounted her harrowing experience.
She testified that Prophet Akingbaso, a family acquaintance who frequently stayed over, assaulted her during her mother’s night shift.
Later, he woke her, falsely claiming she wet the bed, applied shea butter, then raped her. Threatening a fatal curse, he silenced her.
The following day, the cleric returned to the house while her mother was away and attempted to assault her again.
However, the victim managed to escape and raised an alarm, prompting neighbors to intervene.
The incident was subsequently reported to the police by her mother.
The prosecution, led by Taiwo Ariyo, presented compelling evidence against the defendant, including the victim’s statement and a medical report.
Prosecutors called four witnesses to testify; however, the defendant, represented by lawyer Adelanke Akinrata, presented none in his defense.
This strategic choice shifted focus to cross-examination, yet the absence of defense witnesses left key claims unchallenged during proceedings.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Ajileye condemned the actions of the cleric and emphasized the gravity of his crimes. “This court has found the defendant guilty on the two-count charge of rape and coercion and convicted him accordingly.
“This decision will deter others like the defendant who evade legal consequences,” she asserted, thereby reinforcing accountability for those avoiding justice.
By imposing consequences, it underscores that the law ultimately prevails, ensuring no one escapes its reach indefinitely.
The court sentenced Prophet Akingbaso to life imprisonment for rape and an additional three years for coercion. Both terms are to run concurrently.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child protection and gender-based violence in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have called for stricter enforcement of laws to safeguard vulnerable individuals and ensure justice for victims of such heinous crimes.