31-Year-Old Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Narrates How Her Ex-Boyfriend Raped Her

Inspector Usman Sanni, a prosecution witness, on Monday, narrated before an Igbosere High Court in Lagos, how he took the statement of a 31-year-old sickle cell anaemia patient, who was allegedly raped by her ex-boyfriend.

The ex-boyfriend, Imonitie Otuma, 34, is standing trial on a two-count charge of threat to life and rape, which were preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

Otuma had been arraigned in 2016, but he pleaded “not guilty” and was granted bail.

However, he violated his bail condition, which led to his remand in prison.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Babatunde Sumonu, said that in July 2015, the case was transferred from Maroko police station to him at Panti Investigating Police Department.

Sanni stated that when the case was brought to their department, the victim was already on admission at Topz hospital, at Isolo.

He claimed to have visited the victim, where he took her statement.

The witness said the victim narrated to him how she met the defendant at the University of Lagos, where they were both students.

He said the victim informed him that she was in a relationship with the defendant, but broke up when she discovered that the defendant once had a s*xual affair with one of her friends.

Sanni recounted that the victim narrated how the accused called her on July 10, 2015, and pleaded with her for reconciliation.

He said the victim and the defendant agreed to meet at a Mall at Adeniran Ogunsanya in the Surulere area of the state.

The witness said both the victim and the defendant had a nice time at the Mall watching a movie, and that they also attended a club somewhere in Lekki.

According to him, the victim got tired while at the club, and entered the defendant’s car, where she laid at the back seat.

He stated that the defendant used the opportunity to forcefully have canal knowledge of the victim.

He said that the defendant threatened to kill the victim, if she did not allow him have s*x with her.

The inspector further narrated that the defendant beat up the victim, held her neck and threatened to kill her with a revolver if she does not allow him.

Sumonu said the alleged offences contravened Sections 171 and 258, of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye, after listening to the witness’ evidence, adjourned the case until October 10 for continuation of hearing.