Cleric jailed for raping 14-year-old in mosque

By Samuel Omotere

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a cleric, Alani Rafiu, to life imprisonment for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old minor (name withheld) in a mosque.

It was learnt that the religious leader defiled her on August 17, 2021, in the Ikotun area of the state. The trial commenced with the prosecution led by B.Boye, with I.D. Solarin.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, on Thursday said that Rafiu was arraigned on October 28,2021 and convicted on Monday,4th November,2024. Lagos DVSA also confirmed his name will be inputted into the State Sexual Offenders Registers.

In a statement released by the Lagos DSVA, it was noted that Rafiu pleaded not guilty until convincing information from three witnesses and the victim was gathered by the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi.

Oshodi said, “The gravity of your offence cannot be overstated. You betrayed the trust placed in you as a religious instructor and family friend.

“Instead of nurturing and protecting a vulnerable 14-year-old child entrusted to your spiritual care, you repeatedly sexually abused her in a place of worship. This conduct is criminal and represents a profound violation of secular and religious principles.

“The physical and psychological trauma inflicted on this young girl is immeasurable. At an age when she should have been focused on her education and development, she was subjected to experiences that no child should endure.”

According to the prosecution, the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Oshodi later sentenced Rafiu to life imprisonment under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Violence Agency Law, 2021.