Nigeria: Two men jailed life imprisonment for ganging-raping 13-year-old girl
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Recently, an Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, made a landmark ruling by sentencing two men, Anu Olaniyi and Abidemi Alibaloye, to life imprisonment for gang-raping a 13-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on march 4 2025, shocked the community and sparked a legal battle that ultimately led to justice being served.
During the trial, the victim bravely recounted the harrowing experience of being intercepted by one of the convicts while running an errand and then being forcibly taken to a friend’s place where she was gang-raped. The traumatized girl later confided in her mother about the heinous act, leading to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrators.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Julius Ajibare, presented a compelling case against the defendants, citing relevant sections of the criminal laws of Ekiti State. Witnesses testified, and evidence was presented to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a landmark judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye found the defendants guilty of gang-rape and conspiracy, sentencing each of them to life imprisonment for the former and two years imprisonment for the latter. The court’s decision sends a strong message that such despicable acts will not be tolerated in society and perpetrators will face severe consequences for their actions.
This case highlights the importance of justice, accountability, and protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from heinous crimes like rape. It also underscores the critical role of the legal system in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
As the community and the victim’s family seek closure and healing from this traumatic experience, the court’s ruling stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual violence and a reminder that justice can prevail even in the face of unspeakable atrocities. This verdict sets a precedent for future cases and serves as a reminder that the law is a powerful tool in the fight against gender-based violence.
