A 30-year-old labourer, identified as Karimu Jimoh Friday, has been remanded in prison custody by an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping a married woman returning from a church fellowship in the Isarun community, Igbara-Oke area of Ondo State.
The incident, which occurred about six months ago, left the victim traumatized until she recently spotted her attacker, leading to his arrest after months on the run.
Narrating her ordeal before the court, the victim said she was attacked around 6:30 p.m. while taking a lonely path home after an evening service.
“I was returning from church that evening, carrying something on my head, when I saw the man and greeted him,” she told the court. “To my surprise, he started following me.
“I tried to run, but he caught up with me, strangled me until I became weak, and raped me. I went back to the church immediately and told my fellowship members, who took me to the hospital.”
She added that she later reported the case to the police, but the suspect fled the community and remained at large for six months before she recognized him on a motorcycle and raised an alarm that led to his arrest.
Police prosecutor Augustine Omhenimhen informed the court that the suspect had been evading arrest since the attack.
He said the offence contravenes Section 3 (a and b) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021, and urged the court to remand the defendant pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, the defendant denied the allegation, insisting he was innocent and only visited the community for work.
His counsel, O. B. Salami, argued that the complainant initially told police the suspect was not her attacker and therefore urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.
After reviewing the case, Chief Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ordered the remand of the accused at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure, pending advice from the DPP. The case was adjourned to January 8, 2026, for mention.
Sexual assault cases have continued to rise in Ondo State despite the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Law.
Women’s rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and community awareness to ensure survivors of sexual violence get justice without fear or stigma.
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