Police arraign 60-year-old man, Sunday Etim, in Akure over an Ondo rape case involving a 15-year-old girl. Court adjourns for DPP’s legal advice.
A 60-year-old man, Sunday Etim, has been charged in connection with an Ondo rape case involving a 15-year-old girl.
The suspect was arraigned before the Akure Magistrate Court on Thursday, October 16, 2025, following his arrest by officers of the Gender-Based Offences Unit of the Ondo State Police Command.
According to the police, the alleged incident took place in September 2025, around 6:00 a.m., at Emiloro Street, Akure, where the accused allegedly forced himself on the victim without her consent.
The Ondo rape case has once again stirred outrage among residents and activists demanding justice for victims of sexual abuse.
The prosecutor, Supol Martins Olowofeso, told the court that Etim unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the underage girl, contrary to Section 3 (A&B) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021.
Olowofeso noted that the act was in direct violation of the provisions designed to protect minors and vulnerable persons in the state.
He said the police had gathered credible evidence to support the allegation and would ensure a fair but firm prosecution.
The Ondo rape case, he added, represents the government’s renewed effort to clamp down on rising cases of gender-based violence in the state.
In his submission, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
He argued that remand was necessary to prevent interference with investigations and to protect the young victim.
The defendant’s lawyer, Barrister Kehinde Osadugba, however, pleaded with the court to allow a short adjournment to enable him to respond to the prosecution’s motion.
He insisted that his client deserves a fair hearing and that the remand application should not be rushed without reviewing all case documents.
Osadugba said that Etim maintains his innocence and is prepared to cooperate fully with the authorities.
He added that while rape is a serious crime, the Ondo rape case must be handled with strict adherence to due process to ensure that no miscarriage of justice occurs.
The presiding judge, Magistrate Taiwo Lebi, listened to both sides and ruled that the plea of the defendant would not be taken at this stage.
The court adjourned the matter until October 23, 2025, for the hearing of the remand application and directed that the accused remain in custody pending the DPP’s advice.
Reports indicate that the suspect allegedly lured the victim under the guise of offering help before attacking her.
The incident left the 15-year-old traumatized, prompting her family to report the matter to the police.
Medical examinations were conducted, and counseling was arranged for the victim to aid her recovery.
The Ondo rape case has triggered widespread outrage among residents and human rights groups in Akure.
Local NGOs, including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), have condemned the act and called for swift prosecution.
Community leaders in Emiloro Street described the alleged incident as “barbaric” and “unacceptable.”
One resident said, “We cannot tolerate this kind of evil in our community. The law must take its full course.”
Legal practitioners in Ondo State say the case highlights the growing commitment of the judiciary and law enforcement to enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.
According to Barrister Olusegun Akinyemi, a human rights lawyer, the law prescribes severe punishment for sexual offenders, including life imprisonment.
He explained that waiting for the DPP’s advice before taking a plea is standard procedure in criminal cases, as it allows prosecutors to review evidence and determine whether the case should proceed to the High Court for trial.
The Ondo rape case, he said, will serve as a test of the efficiency of Ondo State’s justice system in handling sexual offences involving minors.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice.
She said that the case would not be swept under the carpet and that the command had strengthened its Gender-Based Offences Unit to respond swiftly to all complaints related to sexual and domestic violence.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that this case be treated with utmost seriousness,” Odunlami said.
“We will continue to protect victims and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law. No one is above the law in Ondo State.”
Government officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs also visited the victim’s family, pledging legal and medical support.
The ministry emphasized that the state government remains resolute in the fight against gender-based violence and will continue to advocate for stricter penalties for offenders.
Following the Ondo rape case, civil society groups have intensified awareness campaigns on child protection and the importance of speaking out against sexual assault.
Advocacy groups are urging communities to report incidents promptly and to support survivors rather than stigmatize them.
Social analysts note that rape and sexual assault cases have been on the rise due to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. Experts emphasize the need for stronger moral education and community surveillance to deter potential offenders.
They also called for regular sensitization workshops in schools and marketplaces to educate both men and women on issues of consent and personal boundaries.
As the Ondo rape case continues to attract public attention, the people of Ondo State await the DPP’s legal advice and the subsequent decision of the court.
The outcome is expected to set a new precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
For now, the accused remains in custody while the young victim receives psychological and legal support.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the need for collective vigilance, legal enforcement, and social responsibility in addressing sexual violence in Nigeria.
More news at ireport247news
