The Ekiti High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced two teachers, Gbenga Ajibola (43) and Olaofe Ayodele (52), to a total of 44 years in prison for the rape of two female students, aged 15 and 17.
On Tuesday, Justice Adeniyi Familoni delivered the verdict, imposing a custodial sentence without the option of a fine.
The defendants, who were arraigned on March 2, 2022, faced a three-count charge bordering on rape and abuse of office.
The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, revealed that the crimes were committed in November 2019 in Ado Ekiti.
The victims, whose identities were withheld, were students at a school where the convicts were employed as teachers.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Section 31(2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
The court heard how the defendants lured the minors to a hotel in the Oke-Ila area of Ado Ekiti, where they were sexually assaulted.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, in his judgment, Justice Familoni stated that the defendants acted with a clear mind, disregarding their conscience as they exploited the victims with reckless abandon.
“They deserve severe penal sanctions for their misdeeds to serve as a warning and deterrent to others who may consider following in their footsteps,” he said.
Justice Familoni then sentenced the defendants, Ajibola Gbenga and Olaofe Ayodele, to 20 years in prison each without the option of a fine on count one and two years each without the option of a fine on count two.
However, he ruled that the sentences, totalling 44 years, would run concurrently.
