An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a 30-year-old man, Iwaetan Segun, to death by hanging.
The convict also got 24 years imprisonment and life imprisonment for conspiracy, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of a secret cult.
Segun was arraigned on December 16, 2021, on a seven-count charge bordering on rape, unlawful possession of firearms and membership a secret cult, among other offences.
The prosecutor, Albert Adeyemi, told the court that, “Iwaetan Segun and Atila Iwaetan (now at large) on 16th day of January, 2021, on Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado-Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this hounourable court, did conspire to commit burglary and stealing, break into the shop of Olayemi Oyerinde, received stolen property: 50 jean trousers, 15 polo shirts, 30 pairs of leather slippers, among others, worth over N1.8m, property of Olayemi Oyerinde.
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“Also, on the 5th of February, 2021, he raped a 20-year-old polytechnic student on Odo Ado Street while unlawfully in being in possession of two guns. He was on the 10th of February, 2021, found to be a member of the Eiye confraternity secret cult.”
In her testimony before the court, the rape victim said, “He is my neighbor. On that day he gained access to my room around 3am and pointed a gun at me and ordered me not to shout or else he would shoot me. I was ordered to remove my jean trousers and pants. He forcefully had sex with me. I was a virgin. Thereafter, he begged me to forgive him and not tell anybody.”
The defendant spoke through his counsel, Busuyi Ayorinde.
Justice Adeniyi Familoni, while delivering judgment, said, “I find and hold that the prosecution has by the totality of evidence adduced in this case proved the charge of conspiracy, rape, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of Eiye confraternity secret cult against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted of the four charges.
“The defendant is sentenced as follows: Conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms; he is sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each without any option of fine. Sentences are to run concurrently from the date of his arrest and detention.
“Rape: the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.
“Membership of Eiye confraternity secret cult: the sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.
