He Pinned Me Down, Tore My Panties And Tried Raping Me- [Victim Cries]
A 19- year- old teenager, Adeola Saheed, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for attempting to rape a 35- year- old woman in Ogun State. The Abeokuta Magistrates Court delivered the verdict on Friday, January 26, 2022, marking a significant victory for justice and women’ s rights in Nigeria.
Saheed was arraigned on a three- count charge of conspiracy, indecent assault, and attempted rape. The prosecution, led by ASP Olakunle Shonibare, presented evidence that proved the defendant’ s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the prosecutor, Saheed committed the offense on October 12, 2021, at Olomore Housing Estate in Abeokuta. He allegedly conspired with an accomplice, now at large, to carry out the crime.
Shonibare narrated how Saheed pretended to be chasing a thief, entered the complainant’ s compound, and attacked her with a plank and screwdriver. The defendant tore the victim’ s clothes and attempted to rape her before the victim’ s husband intervened.
The magistrate, Mrs. O. O. Odumosu, convicted Saheed and sentenced him to six months imprisonment on each count, with an option of N300, 000 fine. The jail terms will run concurrently.
This verdict serves as a warning to potential offenders and underscores the importance of protecting women’ s rights and safety in Nigeria. The case highlights the need for vigilance and swift justice in addressing violence against women.
The Ogun State government and law enforcement agencies have been working to combat gender- based violence and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. This conviction demonstrates their commitment to upholding justice and protecting citizens.
The victim’ s husband, who rescued his wife from the attacker, praised the court’ s decision, saying, ” Justice has been served, and I’ m grateful for the swift action taken by the authorities. ”
Women’ s rights activists in Nigeria have also commended the verdict, citing it as a step forward in the fight against gender- based violence.
” This conviction sends a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated in our society, ” said Mrs. Funmi Falana, a prominent women’ s rights advocate.
The case has sparked renewed calls for increased awareness and education on gender- based violence, particularly among young people.
” We need to teach our young people about respect, consent, and boundaries, ” said Dr. Yemi Ogunyemi, a psychologist specializing in gender- based violence.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of gender- based violence, this verdict serves as a beacon of hope for victims and survivors.
