An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, to life imprisonment for raping a student.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruled that the prosecution proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Muyiwa’s conviction under Section 260 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.
Incident and Testimonies
The crime took place on October 11, 2021, at the college’s campus in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State. According to the survivor, she had arrived early for a departmental meeting when the convict asked her to buy food for him. She initially declined but later followed him to collect a flask. Muyiwa then led her to his office, locked the door, and claimed he needed help marking examination scripts.
The survivor recounted how Muyiwa turned off the lights, drew the curtains, and asked if she had a boyfriend. He then forcefully overpowered her, removed her trousers and sanitary pad, and raped her. After the assault, he reportedly told her, “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”
The prosecution called three witnesses: the survivor, Caroline Ibe—a lawyer and vice chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Badagry branch—and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Olufunke. The court also admitted several documents, including medical reports, as evidence.
Defence and Verdict
Muyiwa, a married man and father of three, denied the allegations. He claimed he only asked the survivor for a “platonic relationship” and insisted their interaction in his office was consensual. His lawyer, Dr. G.O. Erenta, argued that the survivor’s claims were uncorroborated and urged the court to acquit him.
However, Justice Oshodi ruled that the victim’s testimony remained consistent under cross-examination and was supported by other evidence. The judge emphasized that Muyiwa had abused his position of trust as a lecturer, making the gravity of his offense undeniable.
“As a part-time lecturer, you occupied a position of trust and authority, which you abused. The victim was a student at the institution where you taught. Section 260 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for your crime, and that is the sentence I will impose,” Oshodi declared.
In addition to life imprisonment, the court ordered that Muyiwa’s name be registered in the Lagos State Sex Offender Register.
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