An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced 19-year-old John Julius to life imprisonment for raping a 35-year-old woman, Alice Ozar.
Justice John Adeyeye found Julius guilty of raping Ozar on her farm in Efon Alaaye in Efon Local Government Area.
The offence was contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of Criminal Code Cap 16 Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria 2012.
The incident occurred on July 16, 2016 at Okemesi Road in Efon Alaaye while the convict was first arraigned in court on March 7, 2017.
Ozar told the court that Julius kicked her and she fell to the ground, after which he pressed her to the ground, tore her underwear and had carnal knowledge of her.
She said the victim met her working on her farm on the fateful day and pretended as if he wanted to help her.
Justice Adeyeye held, “Unfortunately, it will appear I have no discretion on the issue of sentence in view of the decision of the Supreme Court in Lucky v State (Supra) where it was held thus: ‘Any person who commits the offence of rape be liable to imprisonment for life.
“Once the court convicts an accused person for the offence of rape as defined in Section 357 of the Code, it has no discretion but is bound to obey the law by imposing a term of imprisonment for life.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”
During trial, the prosecution called three witnesses, including the victim, and tendered exhibits, including the convict’s statement and victim’s pants.
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