Muslim cleric sentenced to life imprisonment for def!ling 14-year-old girl in Lagos mosque

 

An Ikeja Sexu@l Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced an Islamic cleric, Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for def!ling a 14-year-old year girl.

In his judgement, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved each of the ingredients of def!lement against Rafiu.

Mr Oshodi said that the gravity of the convict’s offence could not be overstated as he betrayed the trust placed on him as a religious instructor and family friend.

He said the convict’s conduct represented a profound violation of secular and religious principles.

According to him, the evidence before the court reveals a calculated pattern of predatory behaviour.

The court held that the convict deliberately isolated the victim, exploited her vulnerability and bought her silence with money.

“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 in your spiritual care, you repeatedly sexually abused her in a place of worship. The physical and psychological trauma inflicted on this young girl is immeasurable. At an age when she should be focused on her education and development, she was subjected to experiences that no child should endured,” the judge said. 

Mr Oshodi further said that there was compelling and consistent proof establishing that the victim was a child and the evidence manifested through multiple sources.

He said the victim, in her evidence, provided a specific, detailed and first-hand account of s3xual intercourse with the convict.

According to him, the evidence of the victim was corroborated by the medical report which showed penile penetration.

The court maintained that places of worship should be sanctuaries of safety and spiritual growth, not venues for the exploitation of children.