A former part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, now known as Lagos State University of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, has been handed a life sentence for rape by the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court. Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven the case of defilement beyond any reasonable doubt.
The incident occurred on October 11, 2021, on the college campus in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State. Muyiwa was charged on October 6, 2023, and initially pleaded not guilty. However, Justice Oshodi found him guilty based on the survivor’s compelling testimony and Muyiwa’s admission that he had sought a relationship with her, which he described as non-sexual.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that Muyiwa had abused his position of trust and authority as a lecturer. “You occupied a position of trust and authority, which you exploited. The victim was a student at the institution where you taught,” the judge stated. He sentenced Muyiwa to life imprisonment under Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) and ordered that he be registered as a sex offender.
During the trial, the survivor recounted the events of October 11, 2021, detailing how Muyiwa had lured her into his office under false pretenses. She explained that after she declined his request to buy him food, he asked for her assistance in marking examination scripts. Once inside the office, Muyiwa locked the doors, overpowered her, and forcibly raped her, despite her resistance and the fact that she was menstruating at the time. After the assault, Muyiwa reportedly told her, “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”
Muyiwa, in his defense, claimed that he had only sought a platonic relationship with the survivor and denied the rape allegations. His lawyer, Dr. G.O. Erenta, argued that the survivor’s testimony was fabricated and lacked corroborating evidence. However, the judge dismissed these claims, stating that the survivor’s account was consistent with the evidence provided by the investigating police officer and other legal professionals involved in the case.
The court’s decision underscores the gravity of sexual violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, particularly those in positions of authority. Muyiwa’s sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes.
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