By Gbenga Ojikutu
An Ikeja sexual offences and domestic violence court has sentenced Alani Rafiu, an Islamic cleric, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a mosque.
During the ruling on Monday, Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, said the evidence presented before the court revealed a “calculated pattern of predatory behaviour” by the convict.
Oshodi ruled that the prosecution provided evidence of defilement against Rafiu, adding that the gravity of the offence could not be overstated as he betrayed the trust reposed in him as a religious instructor.
The judge said the convict displayed a grave violation of secular and religious principles, as he deliberately isolated the victim, exploited her vulnerability, while buying her silence with money.
“You betrayed the trust placed in you as a religious instructor and family friend,” NAN quoted Oshodi as saying.
“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 endure.”
Oshodi said there was compelling and consistent proof that the victim was a child and was defiled by the cleric thrice in the mosque.
The judge added that the evidence presented by 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.
“The prosecutrix gave evidence that the defendant had sex with her three times in the mosque,” the judge said.
“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 ruled that the cleric’s name be registered in the Lagos state sexual offences register
