An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, to life imprisonment for raping a student.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. Muyiwa was found guilty of committing the offence on October 11, 2021, at the college, now known as the Lagos State University of Education.

During the trial, three witnesses testified against him, including the victim, a lawyer from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Badagry branch, Caroline Ibe, and the investigating police officer, Olufunke.

The survivor recounted that she had arrived early for a departmental meeting when Muyiwa asked her to buy him food. She initially declined but later agreed to help. He then led her to his office, claiming he needed assistance marking examination scripts. Once inside, he locked the door, turned off the lights, and forcefully raped her, despite her pleas. She testified that she was menstruating at the time, but Muyiwa removed her sanitary pad and assaulted her.

After the assault, the survivor recalled him saying, “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”

Ibe, who was contacted by the survivor in November 2021, confirmed visiting the crime scene and meeting with the school authorities. The police officer, Olufunke, also detailed the investigation, and medical reports were admitted as evidence.

Muyiwa, a married father of three, denied the charges, claiming that he had only asked the survivor for a platonic relationship. His defense counsel, Dr. G.O. Erenta, argued that there was no corroborating evidence and requested an acquittal.

However, Justice Oshodi ruled that the victim’s testimony was consistent and credible, noting that Muyiwa had abused his position of trust as a lecturer.

“You are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment, and your name shall also be registered as a sex offender in the Lagos State Sex Offender Register,” the judge declared.