A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Kwara State, Fasade Ezekiel Adesoji, 29, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for sexually assaulting an undergraduate of the Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN).
Adesoji, a Microbiology graduate of Igbajo Polytechnic was arraigned on four count-charge bordering on rape, indecent assault and unlawful detention of the victim before Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola.
The Guardian gathered that the defendant, who was arrested by the Police since February, after allegedly committing the crime, risks life jail term upon conviction.
The female victim (name withheld) was allegedly assaulted inside Adesoji’s room behind Nawarudeen Primary School, Oke-Baale area, Osogbo Local Council of the state.
The incident allegedly happened on the night of Friday, February 16, 2024, when the student was allegedly sexually assaulted twice before neighbours and security agents rescued her.
The corps member, who often visits Osogbo, allegedly threatened to kill the victim with a bottle if she fails to allow him satisfy his sexual desire.
It was further learnt that the suspect refused to open his door when neighbours were banging on it repeatedly trying to rescue the female undergraduate.
According to an eyewitness account, it was after a vigilante officer in the area visited the defendant’s apartment with a gun and shot into the air, that the suspect opened the door and freed the victim in the wee hours of Saturday, February 17.
The charge indicated that Adesoji allegedly assaulted the lady sexually on February 16, 2024 at about 9:00p.m. at Oke-Baale area, Osogbo, indecently assaulted her and also detained her against her consent with the purpose of forcefully having carnal knowledge of her.
According to the charge, the accused person committed offences contrary to and punishable under Section 2(2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Osun State 2021; Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Laws of Osun State 2007; Sections 360 and 361 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
However, Adesoji pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
His counsel, L. O. Akinwande prayed the court to admit him to bail and assured that he would make available reliable sureties.
He informed the court that Adesoji is a serving corps member in Kwara State.
The prosecution did not object to the bail application.
Magistrate Daramola granted the accused bail on the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in lieu.
She said one of the sureties must be a homeowner, while the other must be a biological parent or sibling of the defendant who must bear the same surname with him.
The Magistrate adjourned to May 10 for hearing, while Adesoji was taken to Ilesa Correctional Centre after he could not meet up his bail conditions.
