By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday, 4th November, 2024, sentenced a Muslim cleric (Alfa), Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for defiling a 14–year-old girl inside a mosque.
His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State.Rafiu was arraigned on October 28, 2021, for having sexual intercourse with the teenager.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2021, in Ikotun area of Lagos State. However, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge. Thus, the trial started with the prosecution, led by B. Boye, with I. D. Solarin calling three witnesses, including the victim, who testified against the convict.
While delivering the judgment, Oshodi held that the prosecution was able to discharge its burden of proof that the convict defiled the teenager.
Oshodi said, “The gravity of your offence cannot be overstated. You betrayed the trust placed in you as a religious instructor and family friend.”
“Instead of nurturing and protecting a vulnerable 14-year-old child entrusted to your spiritual care, you repeatedly sexually abused her in a place of worship.”
“This conduct is criminal and represents a profound violation of secular and religious principles.”
“The physical and psychological trauma inflicted on this young girl is immeasurable. At an age when she should have been focused on her education and development, she was subjected to experiences that no child should endure.” the judge held.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Rafiu was therefore sentenced to life imprisonment under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Violence Agency Law, 2021.