An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Alani Rafiu, an Islamic cleric, to life imprisonment for defiling a 14-year-old girl. Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment, emphasizing that the prosecution proved each element of defilement against Rafiu.
Oshodi condemned Rafiu’s actions, stating that he betrayed the trust placed in him as a religious instructor and family friend. The judge highlighted that Rafiu’s conduct violated both secular and religious principles, demonstrating a calculated pattern of predatory behavior.
The court found that Rafiu isolated the victim, exploited her vulnerability, and attempted to buy her silence with money. Oshodi emphasized that places of worship should be safe spaces for spiritual growth, not venues for child exploitation.
During the trial, the victim provided a detailed account of the sexual abuse, which was corroborated by medical evidence showing penile penetration. The prosecution presented compelling proof establishing the victim’s age and the abuse.
Oshodi expressed concern about the physical and psychological trauma inflicted on the young girl, who should have been focused on education and development. He stressed that the court must protect children from sexual predators.
The judge noted that Rafiu abused his religious authority and the sacred space of the mosque to perpetrate the abuse. The prosecution presented evidence that Rafiu had sex with the victim three times in the mosque.
Rafiu’s actions demonstrated a shocking disregard for the victim’s well-being, as evidenced by his callous provision of a handkerchief to clean up the evidence of abuse.
The court convicted Rafiu and sentenced him to life imprisonment, ordering his name to be registered in the sexual offences register maintained by the Lagos State Government.
The state counsel, led by Mr. Babajide Boye, presented three witnesses and several documents, while Rafiu testified as the sole witness for the defense. The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State ¹.
