PUNCH
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a Muslim cleric (Alfa), Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for raping a 14 –year- old girl inside a mosque.
Justice Rahman Oshodi handed down the sentence on Monday after finding Rafiu guilty of the offence of child defilement.
Rafiu was arraigned on October 28, 2021, for having sexual intercourse with the teenager.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2021, in Ikotun area of Lagos State.
However, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge. Thus, the trial started with the prosecution, led by B. Boye, with I. D. Solarin calling three witnesses, including the victim, who testified against the convict.
While delivering the judgment, Oshodi held that the prosecution was able to discharge its burden of proof that the convict defiled the teenager.
The judge held that the gravity of the convict’s offence could not be overstated, as he betrayed the trust placed in him as a religious instructor and family friend.
