A 20-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos on Monday told a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja how a lecturer, Dr Obinna Ojogbo, allegedly raped her in what she described as an “underground office” on campus.
The student, whose identity was withheld, gave her account while testifying during the ongoing trial of the lecturer, who is facing a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault filed by the Lagos State Government.
The offences, according to prosecutors, contravene Sections 260 and 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and carry a potential penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction.
Led in cross-examination by defence counsel, Ademola Bello (SAN), the witness maintained that the incident occurred inside the defendant’s office, alleging that the lecturer “pushed and pinned” her during the encounter.
She, however, told the court that she did not raise an alarm or call for help at the time.
The witness further stated that although she knew the defendant as a lecturer and examination invigilator, August 21, 2025, was the first time he approached her directly.
She added that the initial contact occurred in an examination hall where other students were present, noting that the defendant neither threatened nor isolated her at that point.
Describing the scene of the alleged crime, the student said the office was located underground, had no windows and no attached secretary.
She told the court that the encounter lasted between 15 and 20 minutes, adding that two female students briefly entered the office during her visit.
During proceedings, a photograph of the lecturer’s office tendered by the defence sparked a legal dispute over its admissibility.
While the prosecution counsel, Owolabi Azeez, objected to the document on the grounds of non-compliance with provisions of the Evidence Act, the defence argued that the witness had already identified the image as depicting the scene.
“My lord, the defendant’s office is the alleged scene of the crime,” Bello submitted, urging the court to admit the photograph and discountenance the prosecution’s objection.
The court, however, declined to admit the document.
The witness also told the court that she reported the incident to her uncle shortly after it allegedly occurred and subsequently sought medical attention, where a swab test was conducted.
She confirmed that the medical report was later handed over to the police as part of the investigation.
Following the proceedings, the trial judge, Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the case till May 11 for continuation of cross-examination.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
