By Ayodele Abere.
An Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced one Iwaetan Segun to 24 years imprisonment, life imprisonment and death by hanging for conspiracy, burglary, stealing, receiving stolen property, rape, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of secret cult.
The 30 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on 16th December, 2021 on seven count charge bordering on rape, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of secret cult among other offences.
According to the charge sheet, Iwaetan Segun and Atila Iwaetan (now at large) on 16th day of January, 2021 at Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this hounourable court, did conspire to commit burglary and stealing, break into the shop of Olayemi Oyerinde, received stolen properties such as 50 jean trousers, 15 polo shirts, 30 pairs of leather slippers among others, worth over #1.8million property of Olayemi Oyerinde.
Also on 5th of February, 2021 raped a 20 year old Federal Polytechnic student at Odo Ado Street Ado Ekiti while unlawfully in possession of two guns, he was on 10th February, 2021 found to be a member of the Eiye confraternity secret cult.
In her testimony before the court, the rape victim said, the convict was my neighbour, on that day, he gained access to my room around 3:00 a.m., he pointed gun at me, and ordered me not to shout or else he will shoot me, I was ordered to remove my jean trouser and pant, he forcefully had sex with me, as at the time he raped me, I was still a virgin. Thereafter, he begged me to forgive him and should not tell anybody, she concluded.
To proof his case, the prosecutor, Albert Adeyemi called five witnesses and tendered defendant’s statements, medical report, search warrant, two locally made guns as exhibits.
The defendant spoke in his own defence through his counsel Busuyi Ayorinde, he called no witness.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, on the whole, I find and hold that the prosecution has by the totality of evidence adduced in this case proved the charge of Conspiracy, Rape, Unlawful possession of firearms and Membership of Eiye Confraternity secret Cult against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, consequently, he is convicted of the four charges.
The sole issue for determination is thus, resolved partly in favour of the prosecution..Consequently, the defendant is sentenced as follows;
Conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm) He is sentenced to twelve years imprisonment each without any option of fine, sentences are to run concurrently from the date of his arrest and detention of the defendant.
Rape, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.(Membership of Eiye confraternity Secret Cult) The sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.