An 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.
Justice Adeniyi Familoni announced the judgment on Tuesday, imposing a prison term without the possibility of a monetary fine.
The accused individuals, who were brought to court on March 2, 2022, faced three charges related to rape and abuse of their positions.
The prosecution, represented by Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, disclosed that the offences occurred in November 2019 in Ado Ekiti.
The victims, whose names were kept confidential, were students at a school where the defendants worked as educators.
As the prosecution states, the crimes violate Section 31(2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7 of the Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
The court listened to testimonies about how the defendants enticed the minors to a hotel in the Oke-Ila area of Ado Ekiti, where they were sexually assaulted.
In his ruling, Justice Familoni remarked that the defendants acted with clear intent, ignoring their moral compass as they took advantage of the victims without remorse.
Justice Familoni subsequently sentenced the defendants, Ajibola Gbenga and Olaofe Ayodele, to 20 years in prison, each without a fine for the first count and two years each without the option of a fine for the second count.
Nonetheless, he ordered that the sentences, up to 44 years, be served concurrently.
