Ex-Ogun Commissioner lauds judiciary over life sentence for child rapist

…says judgement restores confidence in judiciary

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has commended the Ogun State Judiciary for its steadfast commitment to justice, following the conviction and life imprisonment of a man found guilty of raping a minor.

Adeleye described the judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode as a significant victory in the fight against child sexual abuse and gender-based violence, saying it reinforces public confidence in the judicial system.

According to Adeleye, the judgment delivered on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Justice Catherine Ogunsanya, of the Ogun State High Court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode sentenced the convicted rapist to life imprisonment, after finding him guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

In a statement made available to newsmen, the former Commissioner noted that the verdict demonstrated that the courts remain a dependable refuge for victims, seeking justice and a vital institution in safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

She said, “the judgment is a reassuring demonstration that our courts remain the ultimate sanctuary for victims seeking redress and a critical pillar in the protection of vulnerable members of society”.

According to Adeleye, who was the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, the ruling should encourage survivors of gender-based violence and their families not to lose faith in the justice system.

She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ogun State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social workers, and child protection advocates in ensuring justice was served.

“This judgment further strengthens the growing belief that survivors of gender-based violence and their families should never lose faith in the judicial process. It also highlights the complementary roles played by the State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social workers, and child protection advocates in securing justice for victims,” Adeleye stated.

Adeleye further disclosed that the case was first reported to the Ogun State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, on December 2, 2022, commending all stakeholders whose commitment ensured that justice was ultimately served.