An Osun State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ila-Orangun has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Raji Ridwan, to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for attempted rape.
The conviction followed his arrest and prosecution for unlawfully breaking into a female hostel at the Federal University of Science, Ila-Orangun, and attempting to rape a female undergraduate.
According to court proceedings, Ridwan unlawfully gained access to the hostel at night and attempted to sexually assault one of the occupants. However, the victim resisted and raised the alarm, drawing the attention of neighbours and fellow students who came to her aid.
The convict fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps during a coordinated manhunt.
Upon arrest, Ridwan reportedly confessed to the crime and was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ibukun Adeniran on a one-count charge of attempted rape. He pleaded guilty.
During trial, the prosecution presented Ridwan’s confessional statement through the investigating officer of the Amotekun Corps, along with the testimony of a key witness.
In her ruling, Magistrate Adeniran held that the accused violated Section 359 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State, 2002. She subsequently sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour, without the option of a fine.
Reacting to the judgment, the Osun Amotekun Corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in tackling sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
The Corps also commended the courage of the victim and the swift response of residents, which it said led to the timely arrest and successful prosecution of the offender.
