An Islamic cleric, Alani Rafiu, on Monday have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for defiling a 14-year-old year girl. 

 Justice Rahman Oshodi, In his judgement, held that the prosecution proved each of the ingredients of defilement against Rafiu.

 Mr Oshodi stated that the gravity of the Rafiu’s offence could not be overstated as he betrayed the trust placed on him as a religious instructor and family friend. 

He said the convict’s conduct represented a profound violation of secular and religious principles.

 According to Oshodi, the evidence before the court reveals a calculated pattern of predatory behaviour.

 The court held that the convict deliberately isolated the victim, exploited her vulnerability and bought her silence with money.

 "You betrayed the trust placed in you as a religious instructor and family friend. Instead of nurturing and protecting a vulnerable 14-year-old child entrusted in your spiritual care, you repeatedly sexually abused her in a place of worship. The physical and psychological trauma inflicted on this young girl is immeasurable. At an age when she should be focused on her education and development, she was subjected to experiences that no child should endured," the judge said. 

 Mr Oshodi further stated that there was compelling and consistent proof establishing that the victim was a child and the evidence manifested through multiple sources. 

 According to the Mr Oshodi, the victim, in her evidence, provided a specific, detailed and first-hand account of sexual intercourse with the convict. 

According to him, the evidence of the victim was corroborated by the medical report which showed penile penetration. 

 The court maintained that places of worship should be sanctuaries of safety and spiritual growth, not venues for the exploitation of children. 

 Mr Oshodi said: “The prosecutrix gave evidence that the defendant had sex with her three times in the mosque. The medical evidence and the prosecutrix’s testimony paint a disturbing picture of the physical harm you caused. The bleeding she experienced and your callous provision of a handkerchief to clean up the evidence of your abuse demonstrate a shocking disregard for her well-being. This court must protect children from sexual predators and send a clear message that such conduct will be met with the full force of the law." The court, subsequently, convicted Rafiu and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Furthermore, the court ordered that his name be registered in the sex offenders’ register as maintained by the Lagos State Government. 

 The state Counsel, led by Mr Babajide Boye, called three witnesses through whom several documents were tendered while the convict testified as a sole witness.

 The prosecution submitted that the convict committed the offence August 17, 2021, in Ikotun, Lagos. The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.