An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a 31-year-old man, Ojo Balogun, to 18 years imprisonment for r@ping and assaulting a 23-year-old woman after she rejected his advances.
Balogun was first arraigned in 2021 on a two-count charge of unlawful and indecent assault and rape. He had been in custody at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending trial.
Delivering judgment on February 26, 2025, Justice Yemi Fasanmi ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced Balogun to two years for indecent assault and 16 years for rape, with both sentences to run concurrently.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by H.O. Falowo, narrated how Balogun attacked the victim on June 20, 2020, at Oje Farm, Afin-Akoko, around 2:30 p.m.
He allegedly punched her, beat her with a stick, and dragged her into the bush, where he raped her. The prosecution argued that the offences contravened Sections 360, 357, and 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
To establish its case, the prosecution called five witnesses and presented evidence, including a medical report, witness testimonies, and a torn piece of the victim’s clothing.
In her testimony, the victim recounted her ordeal, saying Balogun had previously expressed romantic interest in her, which she rejected in 2019.
“He punched my eyes, beat me with a stick, and dragged me into the bush. He threw away my pants and pressed my mouth while I struggled. Blood was gushing from my mouth as he raped me. Afterward, he ran away. I couldn’t walk and had to be rushed to the hospital,” she told the court.
Balogun denied the rape allegation but admitted to beating the victim. However, the judge dismissed his defense, citing medical evidence and witness testimonies.
“The doctor’s report confirms forced penetration. The bruises, torn clothing, and the defendant’s own admissions corroborate the prosecution’s case,” Justice Fasanmi stated.
Condemning the rising cases of sexual violence, the judge emphasized the need for deterrent measures.
“This court must send a strong message. Sexual assaults must be nipped in the bud,” he declared.