Ajayi Famakinwa, a 60-year-old pastor in Ondo State, has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 15-year-old girl who was the daughter of his tenant.
The incident occurred in April 2021 at Ayede Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state, where the victim resided with her family.
According to reports, Famakinwa had sexual intercourse with the victim on Ayetoro Street, Ayede Ogbese, under the pretext of delivering her from a demonic spirit tormenting her.
The pastor was arrested by the police for committing the offence and was arraigned before the Ondo State High Court in Akure, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that the defendant confessed to the crime to the Divisional Police Officer at Ayede Ogbese on October 17, 2021, in his voluntary confessional statement.
In addition, the prosecution argued that the defendant’s denial of responsibility for the pregnancy was an afterthought.
After considering the arguments from both the prosecution and defense counsel, the judge, Justice Yemi Fasanmi, found Famakinwa guilty of the crime and sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment.
In his ruling, Justice Fasanmi criticized the defendant for impregnating the victim and turning her into a single mother.
Although the defendant appeared remorseful in court, the judge maintained that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to convict the defendant.
The sentence was handed down under Section 31(1) of the Child Rights Law, Laws of Ondo State, 2012. Famakinwa’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stern warning to others who engage in similar heinous acts.