A High Court of Justice, Ondo State sitting in Akure has sentenced a 31-year-old man, Ojo Balogun, to 18 years in prison for r3ping and assaulting a 23-year-old lady (name withheld) after she rejected his advances.
Balogun was arraigned in 2021 on a two-count charge of unlawful and indecent assault and r3pe. He was remanded at Olokuta Correctional Centre before his trial.
Delivering judgment on February 26, 2025, Justice Yemi Fasanmi ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Balogun guilty on both counts.
The judge sentenced him to two years for indecent assault and 16 years for r@pe, to run concurrently.
Prosecuting counsel, H.O. Falowo, told the court that Balogun attacked the victim on June 20, 2020, around 2:30 p.m. at Oje Farm, Afin-Akoko.
He punched her in the face, beat her with a stick, and dragged her into the bush, where he raped her Falowo said the offences contravened Sections 360, 357, and 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The prosecution called five witnesses and tendered evidence, including statements, a medical report, and torn underpants.
The victim narrated her ordeal in court, stating that she was on her way to the farm when Balogun attacked her.
“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. Afterwards, he ran away. I couldn’t walk and had to be rushed to the hospital,” she recounted.
She added that she had rejected Balogun’s love advances in 2019, which led to resentment.
Balogun denied raping the victim but admitted to beating her.
However, the judge dismissed his defence, citing medical reports and witness testimonies.
“The doctor’s report confirms forced penetration. The bruises, torn pant, and the defendant’s own admissions corroborate the prosecution’s case.”
He condemned the rising cases of sexual violence, stating that Balogun deserved no sympathy.
“This court must send a strong message. Sexual assaults must be nipped in the bud,” the judge declared.
