35-year-old security guard arraigned for raping a housewife

A 35-year-old security guard, Niyi Ayoola, has been remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping a housewife, Mrs. Bola Osunlana.

The charge sheet alleged that Ayoola forcibly had carnal knowledge of Osunlana in Iloro market, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The charge sheet stated that Osunlana, a trader in the market, was going home about 10:20pm, on August 29, 2012 when Ayoola stopped her and demanded to know her identity.

Despite telling Ayoola that she trades in the market, the guard allegedly refused to let her go.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Elisha Olusegun, said instead of performing his primary responsibility, which entails protecting members of the public, Ayoola engaged in crime against the woman.

Olusegun, who said the alleged crime was contrary to Section 357, stressed that the crime is punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34. Volume II, Laws of Osun State, Nigeria, 2003.

But Ayoola pleaded not guilty to the one-count against him even as his lawyer, Mrs. Nnena Ngwu, pleaded with the court to grant him bail.

Ngwu insisted that any accused person should be presumed innocent until the contrary was proved in a law court, adding that Ayoola would not attempt to subvert justice if granted bail.

But the Magistrate, Mr. Adewunmi Makanjuola, ordered that Ayoola be remanded in Ilesa prison custody and adjourned the case till September 20, 2012.