An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 47-year-old cleric, Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso, to life imprisonment for violating a minor. The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Ajileye, emphasizes the enforcement of child protection laws and the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Court Case and Charges
The case was brought to court in September 2022, following allegations that the cleric took advantage of a 13-year-old girl in July 2022 while her mother was away at work. The prosecution explained that the incident caused both physical and emotional harm to the young victim.
The court charged the defendant under the following laws:
- Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012 (which prohibits child abuse).
- Section 4 of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, No.18 of 2019 (which addresses offenses against women and minors).
These laws were enacted to safeguard vulnerable individuals and ensure justice for victims.
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How the Incident Was Reported
During the trial, the victim recounted how the cleric, a close family acquaintance, took advantage of her trust. She explained that the first incident occurred while she was staying over at the cleric’s house. She later confided in her mother after a second attempt was made, leading to intervention by neighbors and the authorities.
Following the report, law enforcement agencies launched an investigation, gathering medical evidence and witness testimonies to build a strong case against the defendant.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
The prosecution, led by Taiwo Ariyo, presented four witnesses along with medical reports and the victim’s statement as evidence. The defense lawyer, Adelanke Akinrata, did not call any witnesses.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Ajileye found the cleric guilty on both counts and sentenced him as follows:
- Life imprisonment for the primary offense.
- Three years imprisonment for coercion, to run concurrently with the main sentence.
The judge emphasized that the ruling should serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt similar crimes.
Editor’s Note: The Importance of Child Protection Laws
This case highlights the critical role of legal institutions in protecting children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. It also serves as a wake-up call for communities and parents to be more vigilant and educate children about personal safety.
Government agencies, advocacy groups, and law enforcement must continue to work together to:
- Increase awareness about child safety and rights.
- Strengthen support systems for victims.
- Ensure swift and fair trials in cases of child abuse.
By enforcing strict legal actions against offenders, Nigeria is taking steps toward a safer society for children and vulnerable individuals.
