A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday has sentenced 32-year-old Kenechukwu Okonkwo to 14 years imprisonment for raping a 29-year-old Virgin.
In her judgment, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye held that the prosecution proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, after which she convicted the defendant on a one count of rape contrary to Section 258(1)of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. “In the light of all my findings, the prosecution has proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.
“I find you Kenechukwu Okonkwo guilty of rape contrary to Section 258(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, “ the judge said. The defence counsel, Mr Worer Oduagbaka, in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. Ipaye while pronouncing the sentence noted that rape is a serious crime which must be eradicated.
“Rape is an act of an extreme violence against women, society must have zero tolerance to this act against the honourable members of the society.
“I hereby sentence you to 14 years imprisonment to commence from today, March 24, 2017,” Ipaye said.
