Tailor Sentenced To 12 Years For Raping Woman In Purdah

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has sentenced 23-year-old Idris Rasheed to 12 years in prison for raping a woman in purdah. The trial, presided over by Justice Oyeyemi Ajayi, concluded with a guilty verdict based on Rasheed’s confession and corroborating medical evidence, including penetration and semen analysis.

Justice Ajayi declared that Rasheed’s jail term would begin retroactively from January 29, 2023, the date of his arraignment. The defense counsel, Mr. O. Ekundayo, appealed for leniency, highlighting that Rasheed had already spent over 19 months in custody at Agodi prison. He argued that the convict had shown remorse, endured hardships, and learned valuable lessons during his incarceration.

Despite the plea, the prosecution, led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Mrs. K. Oloso-Olayiwola, detailed the harrowing incident. The convict, a resident of the Abayomi area in Iwo Road, Ibadan, was charged with raping a 29-year-old petty trader and divorcee around 10 p.m. The victim, seeking shelter for the night, approached Rasheed for directions to a nearby mosque. Instead of assisting, Rasheed assaulted her, violently throwing her to the ground before committing the act.

The crime, in violation of Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State 2000, drew strong condemnation. The court’s verdict underscores the seriousness of the offense and the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.