An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has discharged and acquitted a 33-year-old man, Adekunle Samson, of rape charge after three years.
Justice Bamidele Omotoso ruled that the act between the accused and the suspected victim identified as Yemi was consensual.
According to The PUNCH, Samson was arraigned before the court on November 5, 2019, on one count of rape but pleaded not guilty.
“Adekunle Samson, on April 25, 2018, at Ise Ekiti, did rape one Yemi, contrary to Section 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Law of Ekiti State, 2012,” the charge read.
However, despite presenting three witnesses, a medical report and a cutlass as exhibits, the police prosecutor, Richard Olowoyo, failed to convince the judge with his argument.
Justice Omotoso said, “I have come to the conclusion that the prosecution has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the allegation of rape against the defendant.
“I found as a fact that there existed an amorous relationship between the defendant and the victim prior to the incident and that alleged sexual intercourse which prompted the police to arrest the defendant and arraign him before this court was done with the consent of the victim.
“In conclusion, the defendant, Adekunle Samson, is hereby discharged and acquitted of the offence of rape.”
