In a landmark ruling, the Ekiti High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced 47-year-old self-acclaimed prophet Adeleye Akingbaso to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Justice Blessing Ajileye, following a trial that began in September 2022.
Akingbaso faced a two-count charge of rape and coercion, stemming from incidents in July 2021 and July 2022. According to the charges, the defendant raped the minor and coerced her into sexual acts, causing significant physical and psychological harm. The offenses violated Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, and Section 4 of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Vi0lence (Prohibition) Law, No. 18 of 2019.
During her testimony, the victim recounted how Akingbaso, a friend of her mother, expl0ited his access to their home. She stated, “Prophet Adeleye used to sleep in our house. One night, when my mother was on duty, he woke me up, falsely accused me of bed-wetting, and applied shea butter to my private parts. I later realized I had been raped. He threatened to curse me if I told anyone.”
The victim further described a second incident where Akingbaso attempted to assault her again. She managed to escape and alerted neighbors, who intervened and informed her mother. The mother subsequently reported the case to the police.
The prosecution, led by Taiwo Ajibulu Ariyo, presented four witnesses and submitted the defendant’s statement and a medical report as evidence. The defense, represented by lawyer Adelanke Akinrata, did not call any witnesses.
In her judgment, Justice Ajileye found Akingbaso guilty on both counts, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. “This court has convicted the defendant of rape and coercion. The sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who commit such hein0us acts,” she stated.
The court sentenced Akingbaso to life imprisonment for rape and three years for c0ercion, with both sentences to run concurrently. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combating gender-based vi0lence and protecting the rights of minors in Ekiti State.