Lagos Lecturer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping Student

On Thursday, an Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court found a part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment for the rape of a student.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, while delivering the sentence, ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven all the elements of defilement against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the charge, Muyiwa perpetrated the crime on October 11, 2021, at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, located in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State.

Muyiwa was arraigned on October 6, 2023, and he pleaded not guilty to the rape charge brought against him.

During the proceedings, the prosecution presented three witnesses: the victim herself, a legal practitioner who also serves as the vice chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Badagry branch, Caroline Ibe, and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Olufunke.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi pointed out that the defendant worked as a part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, which is now known as Lagos State University of Education.

The judge noted that the victim’s testimony was consistent with the testimonies provided by both the lawyer and the IPO.

“The survivor, in her testimony before the court, said, ‘On October 11, 2021, she arrived early for a departmental meeting scheduled for 10 am. While waiting outside her classroom, the convict approached and requested her to get him food though she initially declined due to her pending meeting.’

“She later followed Muyiwa to get a flask to buy the food. He led her to the office. When they got inside the office, the convict said he no longer wanted the food but needed help to mark some examination scripts.

“She added that Muyiwa went outside, returned and then locked the passage gate and office door,” Oshodi said.

The victim also recounted in her evidence that once electricity was restored, Muyiwa drew the window curtain and switched on the light, claiming the sunlight glare was disturbing the room.

She also testified that Muyiwa inquired whether she had a boyfriend, to which she replied that she did not.

“He suddenly pushed me down the plastic chair I was sitting on. He overpowered me and forcefully removed my trousers. I was menstruating at the time, but he removed my sanitary pad and had forceful sexual intercourse with me.

The survivor said after he had sex with her, he said ‘What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken it by force.’”

In her testimony, Ibe stated that the victim reached out to her in November 2021, after which she conducted an interview with the victim.

She also informed the court that she visited the crime scene and had discussions with the school authorities.

The IPO, Olufunke, gave the court an account of the investigative steps she took while handling the case.

The prosecution also tendered various documents, including medical reports, which were admitted as evidence.

Muyiwa, who is married and has three children, took the stand in his own defence, where he denied sexually assaulting the victim.

He testified that on October 11, 2021, he visited the college to record and submit students’ scripts, and during this visit, he met the victim who offered to assist him in carrying his bag near the gate.

Muyiwa told the court that he asked if she could help him record some scores, to which she agreed, but mentioned she had a meeting to attend.

He further explained that while inside his office, he asked the victim if she would be interested in having a relationship, and she agreed.

Muyiwa clarified that the type of relationship he proposed was, “To be together, to talk, relate with one another, but not for a sexual relationship.”

The defence counsel, Dr. G.O. Erenta, argued in his final written address that Muyiwa should be acquitted, describing the victim’s account as fabricated and unsupported by corroborative evidence.

In his verdict, Justice Oshodi concluded that Muyiwa was guilty of rape.

The judge noted that the victim gave a clear and consistent narrative of how the defendant raped her, even under cross-examination.

“Also, the convict’s admission of asking the survivor for a relationship though he claimed to be a platonic relationship.

“Kolawole Muyiwa, I have found you guilty of rape contrary to Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

“I note that you are a first-time offender with no criminal record, and you are married with three children and also served as a part-time lecturer. However, the gravity of the offence committed cannot be overlooked.

“As a part-time lecturer, you occupied the position of trust and authority which you abused; the victim was a student at the institution where you taught.

“Section 260 of the Criminal Law proscribes life imprisonment punishment for your crime and that is what I shall give you.

“You are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment and your name shall also be registered as a sex offender in the Lagos State Sex Offender Register,” Oshodi said.