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An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced an Islamic cleric, Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for defiling a 14-year-old year girl (name withheld).<\/p>\n

In his judgement, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved each of the ingredients of defilement against Rafiu.<\/p>\n

Oshodi said that the gravity of the convict\u2019s offence could not be overstated as he betrayed the trust placed on him as a religious instructor and family friend.<\/p>\n

He said the convict\u2019s conduct represented a profound violation of secular and religious principles.<\/p>\n

According to him, the evidence before the court reveals a calculated pattern of predatory behaviour.<\/p>\n

The court held that the convict deliberately isolated the victim, exploited her vulnerability and bought her silence with money.<\/p>\n

The judge said: \u201cYou betrayed the trust placed in you as a religious instructor and family friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of nurturing and protecting a vulnerable 14-year-old child entrusted in your spiritual care, you repeatedly sexually abused her in a place of worship.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe physical and psychological trauma inflicted on this young girl is immeasurable.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt an age when she should be focused on her education and development, she was subjected to experiences that no child should endure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oshodi further said that there was compelling and consistent proof establishing that the victim was a child and the evidence manifested through multiple sources.<\/p>\n

He said the victim, in her evidence, provided a specific, detailed and first-hand account of sexual intercourse with the convict.<\/p>\n

According to him, the evidence of the victim was corroborated by the medical report which showed penile penetration.<\/p>\n

He said the convict abused religious authority and the sacred space of a mosque to perpetrate sexual violations against the survivor.<\/p>\n

The court maintained that places of worship should be sanctuaries of safety and spiritual growth, not venues for the exploitation of children.<\/p>\n

Oshodi said: \u201cThe prosecution gave evidence that the defendant had sex with her three times in the mosque.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe medical evidence and the prosecutor\u2019s testimony paint a disturbing picture of the physical harm you caused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bleeding she experienced and your callous provision of a handkerchief to clean up the evidence of your abuse demonstrate a shocking disregard for her well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis court must protect children from sexual predators and send a clear message that such conduct will be met with the full force of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

The court, subsequently, convicted Rafiu and sentenced him to life imprisonment.<\/p>\n

The court also ordered that his name be registered in the sexual offences register as maintained by the Lagos State Government.<\/p>\n

The state counsel, led by Mr Babajide Boye, called three witnesses through whom several documents were tendered while the convict testified as a sole witness.<\/p>\n

The prosecution submitted that the convict committed the offence on August 17, 2021, in Ikotun, Lagos.<\/p>\n

The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.<\/p>\n

Cleric bags life imprisonment for defiling minor<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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