An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday heard disturbing testimony of how a stepfather, Adewunmi Ajayi, allegedly subjected his underage step-daughter to sexual abuse that resulted in three pregnancies, with two already terminated through abortions.
The shocking revelations emerged during testimony from Investigating Police Officer Aderinto Foluke, who appeared before Justice Abiola Soladoye in the ongoing trial of Adewunmi and his wife, Idowu Ajayi, the victim’s mother.
“We concluded that Mr. Adewunmi has been sleeping with the survivor since 2019,” said IPO Foluke, who is attached to the Human Rights Unit of the Nigeria Police Force with AP No. 287997.
Led in evidence by State Prosecution Counsel Abibat Ogunwemimo, the woman inspector explained that the case was brought to light when the 15-year-old victim, accompanied by her teacher, reported the abuse at the Adeniji Adele Police Station on Lagos Island with a referral letter from Alausa.
According to the police investigation, the victim disclosed that she was pregnant for her stepfather for the third time and had approached her teacher out of fear that her mother would arrange another abortion as had happened twice previously.
“The survivor said she was afraid, so she confided in her teacher because of her mother who she claimed will abort for her again,” Foluke testified.
The IPO further revealed sinister details about how the abuse was facilitated, stating: “The survivor also said she did not notice that her stepfather used to put drugs in her tea until the day her sister saw left-over particles in the cup.”
When the victim’s concerns were brought to her grandmother’s attention, the elderly woman confronted Idowu Ajayi, who allegedly denied the accusations. However, the mother later took her daughter to the hospital when she complained of stomach pain.
“The girl said she wanted to further her education, that is why she reported to her teacher,” Foluke added. “We gave her a referral paper and when the result came she was pregnant. We found out that the mother had taken her for abortions two times.”
Child rights advocate Mrs. Bimpe Adebiyi, who spoke to our correspondent outside the courtroom, condemned the alleged actions. “This case represents a complete breakdown of the protective structures that should safeguard children. When parents become perpetrators or enablers of abuse, the trauma inflicted is immeasurable,” she said.
During cross-examination by Defense Counsel Emmanuel Uwadoka, the investigating officer acknowledged that while she had conducted a thorough investigation, she had not personally visited either the crime scene or the hospital where the alleged abortions took place. She maintained, however, that she had spoken with the victim’s grandmother over the phone during her investigation.
The court admitted two statements, a medical referral letter, and a medical result as exhibits in the case.
Dr. Foluke Ademola, a consultant psychiatrist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, who was not involved in the case but commented on the psychological implications of such abuse, told our correspondent: “The long-term psychological consequences of repeated sexual trauma at the hands of a trusted guardian are profound. Recovery requires extensive therapy and a completely safe environment, which often necessitates removing the child from the abusive home.”
The couple was first arrested in 2021 when the allegations came to light, but legal proceedings have been ongoing since then.
Justice Soladoye adjourned the matter until May 28 for continuation of trial. Both defendants remain in custody.
