Carpenter in court over alleged rape of university student

A certain 25-year-old carpenter, James Sodiq, on Friday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting at Isabo for allegedly raping an unnamed 23-year-old 400 level National Open University student.

It was learnt that the accused whose house is behind the victim’s, had an unlawful carnal knowledge of the student after he broke into her room, masked and armed with a machete.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Famus Edigbue, told the court that Sodiq committed the offence on November 18, at No. 2 Ilupeju Street, Ijeun-Titun, Abeokuta.

Edigbue said, “He threatened to kill the victim if she attempted to alert anyone and raped her. The victim that night followed the accused to know his identity.

“The victim raised alarm in the morning which led to the arrest of the accused.

“Doctor’s report also confirmed that there were traces of forceful penetration and semen,” the prosecutor told court, adding that the offence contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Babajide Ilo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 22, 2016, for mention.