Ondo Court Sentences Man to 14 Years for Raping 7-Year-Old Stepdaughter

Court gavel

An Ondo State High Court in Akure has sentenced Raphael Adanlawo to 14 years imprisonment for raping his seven-year-old stepdaughter. Justice Yemi Fasanmi delivered the verdict after finding Adanlawo guilty of the crime, though he was acquitted of a secondary charge of indecent assault.

The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved the rape case beyond reasonable doubt, with evidence including the victim’s testimony, medical reports, and witness statements. The incident occurred on April 4, 2019, at Adamama Quarters in Igbobini, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, when Adanlawo assaulted the child after sending her mother away on an errand.

During the trial, the victim’s mother testified that she noticed her daughter walking abnormally upon returning home. After persistent questioning, the child revealed that Adanlawo had forced himself on her, threatened her into silence, and pulled down her underwear. Medical examinations later confirmed the assault.

Adanlawo, who pleaded not guilty, defended himself through his counsel, Abdulrahman Yusuf, but called no additional witnesses. Justice Fasanmi dismissed the indecent assault charge due to insufficient evidence but upheld the rape conviction, stating, “The victim’s account was corroborated by medical proof, and the defendant exploited her vulnerability.”

The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime before sentencing Adanlawo to 14 years behind bars under Section 358 of the Ondo State Criminal Code.