An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Kolawole Muyiwa, a former part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (now Lagos State University of Education), to life imprisonment for raping a student.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, delivering the judgment, stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leaving no room for doubt about the lecturer’s guilt.
A Breach of Trust
The crime took place on October 11, 2021, within the premises of the college in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State. The victim, a student at the institution, recounted how Kolawole lured her into his office under the pretense of needing assistance with examination scripts.
In her testimony, she told the court that she had arrived early for a departmental meeting that day when the lecturer approached her, asking her to buy food for him. She refused, explaining that she had a meeting. However, when she followed him to collect a flask for the food purchase, he led her to his office and locked the doors.
The survivor told the court, “He suddenly pushed me down on the plastic chair I was sitting on, overpowered me, and forcefully removed my trousers. I was menstruating at the time, and he removed my sanitary pad and had forceful sexual intercourse with me.”
She further testified that after the assault, the lecturer told her, “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”
Also Read:
- Sanwo-Olu Unveils $150m Charterhouse Lagos Campus
- Oladoja Elected NANS President, Vows to Resist Tuition Hikes
Conviction and Sentencing
Kolawole was arraigned on October 6, 2023, and pleaded not guilty. However, the judge found him guilty, highlighting his abuse of power and trust as a lecturer.
“Kolawole Muyiwa, I have found you guilty of rape, contrary to Section 260 of the Criminal Law Chapter 17, Volume Laws of Lagos State 2015,” Justice Oshodi declared.
The judge acknowledged that Kolawole was a first-time offender, a married man with three children, and had no prior criminal record. However, he stressed that the gravity of his offense could not be ignored.
“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,” Justice Oshodi stated.
Under Section 260 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, the penalty for rape is life imprisonment, and the judge upheld this sentence.
“You shall also be registered as a sex offender,” he added.
Lecturer’s Defense Rejected
During the trial, the defendant claimed that the survivor willingly entered into a relationship with him. He denied raping her, insisting that he only sought a platonic relationship.
His defense lawyer, Dr. G.O. Erenta, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the survivor’s testimony was uncorroborated and unreliable.
However, the court ruled that her testimony was supported by other witnesses, including a legal practitioner and the investigating police officer (IPO).
Justice for the Victim
The sentencing of Kolawole Muyiwa is seen as a victory for justice and a strong warning to those in positions of authority who abuse their power. The judgment reinforces the commitment of Lagos State’s judicial system to protecting victims of sexual violence and ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
With his conviction, Kolawole joins the growing list of sex offenders in Nigeria, as authorities continue efforts to curb the rising cases of sexual assault, particularly in educational institutions.