Osun Court Jails 25-Year-Old Man For Attempted Rape
A Chief Magistrate Court in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Raji Ridwan, to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for attempted rape.
The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Ibukun Adeniran on Friday, followed Ridwan’s arrest by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps.
According to the charge sheet, Ridwan unlawfully entered the female hostel of the Federal University of Science, Ila-Orangun, where he attempted to rape a student.
The prosecution presented his confessional statement through the investigating officer, and a key witness corroborated the victim’s testimony during trial.
The offence was found to be in violation of Section 359 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
Magistrate Adeniran, after reviewing the evidence and Ridwan’s guilty plea, convicted him and sentenced him to three years in prison with hard labour, without an option of fine.
The Magistrate said the punishment was meant to serve as a deterrent to others.
Reacting to the judgement, the Public Relations Officer of Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, in a statement on Saturday, said the conviction underscored the state government’s zero tolerance for sexual offences.
“This conviction reflects the state government’s zero tolerance for sexual offences. We will continue to work with security agencies and the judiciary to ensure justice is served,” he stated.
He revealed that the incident occurred at night while the victim was alone in her room.
The victim reportedly resisted the attack and raised an alarm, prompting neighbours and fellow students to intervene, which forced the suspect to flee.
Abass said Ridwan was arrested shortly afterwards by Amotekun personnel who conducted an extensive search in the area.
“During interrogation, the defendant voluntarily confessed to the attempted rape and was charged before Magistrate Ibukun Adeniran. At the hearing, he pleaded guilty to the single count charge.
“The Osun Amotekun Corps commends the swift intervention of concerned citizens and reiterates its continuous collaboration with security and judicial institutions to ensure perpetrators of violent crimes are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
