Man Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For R*ping 4-year-old Girl

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A 50-year-old man identified as Tajudeen Usman who had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 4-year-old minor has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The suspect who was arraigned before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye on a one-count charge of r*pe, reportedly committed the offence on August 21, 2020 at Ikere Ekiti.

Speaking to the police, the victim said the convict, popularly called Daddy Latifat, “who lives in our house, took me to his sitting room on that day. 

He said I should sit on his lap, then he removed my pants and put his something (p3nis) where I use to urinate (v*gina). He used to call me to his sitting room every time to do it.”

Also testifying in court, the victim's mother said;

“I was making cassava flour, when my daughter went to defecate in the area.

“When I went to pack the faeces, I noticed blood in it. Thereafter, I checked her an*s and v*gina.

“I saw blood coming out of the place and I became very scared.

“When I probed her, she said, it was Daddy Latifat that put his something to where I use to urinate’.”

She said she later reported the matter at Ikere Ekiti Police Station. Before the trial was concluded, the prosecutor, K.S. Adeyemo called five witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statement to prove his case.

Adeyemo also tendered the victim’s statement and medical report as exhibits over the offence he said  contravened Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap.C7 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

The defendant's counsel, Tope Salam appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy because of the defendant’s age.

Ruling on the case, Justice Ogunmoye said the prosecutor proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Ogunmoye said;

 “In all, the prosecution had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendant.

“The sole issue for determination is resolved in favour of the prosecution, the defendant is convicted as charged.

‘’The sentence for the offence of rape under Child’s Right Law is mandatory, he is sentenced to life imprisonment.”