Man Remanded for Alleged Rape of FUOYE Student, Faces Separate Theft Charge

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 24-year-old man, Elijah Innocent, at the correctional centre in Ado-Ekiti over an allegation of rape.

The defendant, whose address was not disclosed, is currently standing trial for the alleged offence. His plea was not taken by the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the offence was committed on May 19 at about 12:30 a.m. in Oye-Ekiti.

Oriyomi alleged that Innocent raped a 19-year-old student of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

He explained that according to the victim’s statement, the defendant came to the victim’s hostel, met her and her friend, and demanded their phones.

The prosecutor further said, “He thereafter asked the victim’s friend to go inside the kitchen and raped the victim.”

Oriyomi noted that the alleged offence contravenes Section 265(1) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He therefore urged the court to remand the defendant pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the defendant at the correctional centre and adjourned the case till July 8 for mention.

In a separate charge involving the same defendant, Oriyomi informed the court that Innocent and others now at large were accused of theft.

He alleged that on February 2 at about 12:40 p.m. in Oye-Ekiti, the defendant and his accomplices stole a Techno phone and a power bank, both valued at N185,000, belonging to one Ige Favour.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the theft charge.

Oriyomi said the offence violated Section 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He asked the court for an adjournment to enable him study the case file and present his witnesses.

Defence counsel, Mr. Oluwafemi Alabi, pleaded with the court to grant his client bail, assuring that the defendant would not jump bail.

Chief Magistrate Adeosun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. The matter was also adjourned till July 8 for hearing.