A part-time lecturer at the Lagos State University of Education, Kolawole Muyiwa, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a student. The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the judgment on Thursday, with Justice Rahman Oshodi presiding over the case.
Court Finds Lecturer Guilty
The crime was committed on 11 October 2021 at the institution, formerly known as Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, where Muyiwa was employed. He was arraigned on 6 October 2023 and pleaded not guilty. However, after a thorough trial, the court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
During the proceedings, the prosecution called several key witnesses, including the victim, a lawyer and vice chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (Badagry branch), Caroline Ibe, and the investigating police officer, Olufunke. Their testimonies corroborated the survivor’s account, strengthening the case against the convict.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi acknowledged that Muyiwa had no previous criminal record and was married with three children. However, the court emphasised that the seriousness of the offence could not be ignored, especially considering his position of trust as a lecturer.
“As a part-time lecturer, you occupied a position of trust and authority, which you abused. The victim was a student at the institution where you taught,” the judge stated.
Following the conviction, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed that Muyiwa’s name will be entered into the state’s Sexual Offenders Register. The prosecution further stated that his offence contravened Section 260 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes life imprisonment for rape.
The sentencing serves as a strong warning against abuse of power in academic institutions and reaffirms the state’s commitment to protecting students from sexual violence.
