Man Sentenced To Death For Allegedly Defiling Minor Inside Bush

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Kogi State High Court sitting at Anyigba, which found him guilty of conspiracy and defilement under the Criminal Law of the State and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The convict was arraigned in 2024 on charges of conspiracy and rape, contrary to Sections 97(2) of the Kogi State Penal Code, 2019, and rape contrary to Section 31(2) of the Child Right Law of Kogi State.

The convict was said to have committed the offences at Ajakeya, Abocho, Dekina L.G.A., of Kogi State on the 14th day of November, 2024. The matter was reported to the Police, he was arrested and charged before the Court for the offence.

According to the Police, the victim (name withheld), who is a minor, was said to be in company of her sister, going to a prayer ground when the convict intercepted them and forcefully took her to a nearby bush where he raped her.

While delivering the judgement of the Court on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025, Justice Hauwa Yusuf, after a careful evaluation of the evidence presented before the court, found the convict guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The Court however, discharged and acquitted the convict of criminal conspiracy on the ground that there was no evidence to show the role that was played by an accomplice whom the prosecution alleged was at large.

After the judgment, the Prosecuting Counsel, Kunle Tolufase, Esq., a Principal Legal Officer with the Kogi State Ministry of Justice, thanked the Court for the well-researched judgment and noted that the judgment would serve as deterrence to others.

Speaking after the judgment, Tolufase expressed gladness over the outcome of the judgment, and further stated that the judgment would send a warning signal to all those who delight in indulging in rape and other related sexual offences in the State and indeed Nigeria.