By Our Reporter
A middle-aged man, Raphael Adanlawo, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for raping his seven –year- old step-daughter.
The convict committed the act on April 4, 2019, at about 10pm, at Adamama Quarters, Igbobini, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He was subsequently arraigned before an Ondo State High Court on December 18, 2019 on two-count charge of rape and indecent assault.
Adanlawo pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution called three witnesses and tendered documents such as the defendant’s statements and doctor’s report which were admitted as exhibits.
The victim’s mother told the court that she suspected that her daughter had been sexually assaulted after observing a change in the manner she walked.
“When I got back from my trip, I noticed that my daughter was having difficulty walking. I gently forced her to speak, and she revealed what the defendant had done to her.
“My daughter told me that Adanlawo, who is my husband, pulled down her underwear, forcefully penetrated her and instructed her not to tell anyone about it.”
Adanlawo did not call any witness.
In his judgement, Justice Yemi Fasanmi said the victim’s testimony was corroborated by medical reports and another exhibit before the court.
According to him, “There is ample evidence before the court that the victim was forcefully penetrated by the convict.
“The evidence is believable, unassailable and credible that the defendant took advantage of the vulnerable girl
“The court found Adanlawo guilty of the first count (rape), but discharged and acquitted him of the second count of indecent assault,” the judge held.
The court sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment for the offence of rape.
@The Nation