Painter Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping LASUSTECH Student
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a painter, Sikiru Oluwasegun, to life imprisonment for raping a 20-year-old student of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has delivered a significant ruling, sentencing a painter, Sikiru Oluwasegun, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 20-year-old student from Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). The incident, which took place on July 19, 2021, in Ikorodu, led to the recent conviction of Oluwasegun after he was found guilty by Justice Rahman Oshodi.
During the trial, the court relied on Oluwasegun's confessional statement and evidence presented by the prosecution. Despite attempts by the defendant to recant his admission, the court deemed the evidence conclusive, leading to his conviction on charges of rape. Justice Oshodi emphasized the severity of the crime and the defendant's lack of remorse, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting victims' rights.
The victim, a 20-year-old student of LASUSTECH, reported the incident to the university's student union the following day, prompting police involvement and subsequent arrest of the defendant. Oluwasegun's confession to the police and the voluntary statement made in front of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) further substantiated the case against him.
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Despite efforts by the defence to challenge the evidence during trial, including claims of coercion and physical assault by the police, the court remained unconvinced. Justice Oshodi underscored the gravity of the offence, stating that attraction to someone does not justify coercive actions and emphasizing that there is no justification for rape.
In sentencing Oluwasegun to life imprisonment, the court reaffirmed its commitment to dispensing justice and protecting the rights of victims. The ruling serves as a deterrent to perpetrators of sexual violence and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of such abhorrent acts.
The prosecution, led by Inumidun Solarin, advocated for the maximum penalty in accordance with the law, citing the long-lasting impact of the defendant's actions on the victim. Despite appeals for leniency, the court upheld the severity of the crime and ordered Oluwasegun to be returned to the Medium Correctional Centre to serve his sentence.
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The case, which saw the prosecution calling one witness and the defence calling three witnesses, underscores the importance of robust legal proceedings in addressing cases of sexual violence and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
