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An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a Muslim cleric (Alfa), Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for raping a 14 –year- old girl inside a mosque.
Justice Rahman Oshodi handed down the sentence on Monday after finding Rafiu guilty of the offence of child defilement.
Rafiu was arraigned on October 28, 2021, for having sexual intercourse with the teenager.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2021, in Ikotun area of Lagos State.
However, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge. Thus, the trial started with the prosecution, led by B. Boye, with I. D. Solarin calling three witnesses, including the victim, who testified against the convict.
While delivering the judgment, Oshodi held that the prosecution was able to discharge its burden of proof that the convict defiled the teenager.
The judge held that the gravity of the convict’s offence could not be overstated, as he betrayed the trust placed in him as a religious instructor and family friend.
Oshodi further held that the evidence revealed a calculated pattern of predatory behaviour, as the convict deliberately isolated the child, exploited her vulnerability, and bought her silence with money.
Oshodi also stated that having carefully considered all the evidence before the court, there was compelling and consistent proof establishing that the prosecutrix was indeed a child below the age of 18 years at the time of the alleged offence in May 2021.
He said the evidence manifested through multiple sources.
The judge said the prosecutrix provided a detailed, firsthand account of sexual intercourse with the convict.
According to Oshodi, this testimony provides a direct account of penile-vaginal penetration, with specific details about the sequence of events, location, frequency, and aftermath of the sexual acts.
The judge noted that the prosecutrix testimony remained consistent even when challenged about the timeframe, clarifying that these incidents occurred.
He said the medical evidence further strengthened the evidence of sexual intercourse. It reports that the transection found in the prosecutrix’s vagina was “consistent with forceful penetrative injury to
Before passing down the verdict, Oshodi said, “What makes your conduct particularly egregious is your abuse of religious authority and the sacred space of a mosque to perpetrate these violations.
The bleeding she experienced and your callous provision of a handkerchief to clean up the evidence of your abuse demonstrate a shocking disregard for her well-being.
