A man, Eleko Babajide, has been sentenced by an Akure Customary Court to three years imprisonment for raping his wife’s younger sister, Miss Rachel Olabamidele.
Rachel, a recent graduate of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, had been living with the couple while awaiting a job opportunity that Babajide allegedly promised her. During her stay, she handled domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning.
The situation came to light when Rachel confided in her elder sister, who works with the Federal Road Safety Corps. She revealed that her brother-in-law had sexually assaulted her and threatened to evict her if she spoke out, jeopardizing her employment prospects.
“He told me not to say anything or I would be sent away, losing the chance for a better job,” Rachel recounted.
Upon learning of the incident, the elder sister reported it to the police, which led to Babajide’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. Throughout the trial, Babajide denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated to ruin his marriage.
However, substantial evidence was presented in court, including an audio recording of a conversation between the accused and the victim that supported Rachel’s claims.
In her judgment, Presiding Judge Mrs. Ireti Sunday found Babajide guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison.
She emphasized the importance of speaking out for victims of abuse and encouraged others in similar situations to come forward.
The judge condemned all forms of sexual violence, particularly in domestic settings, reaffirming the court’s commitment to justice in such cases.
