A former part-time lecturer at Lagos State University of Education (formerly Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education), Kolawole Muyiwa, has been given a life sentence for rape by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court.
The offence occurred on 11th October 2021, at the college’s Oto-Ijanikin campus in Lagos State.
Despite pleading not guilty when arraigned on 6th October 2023, Muyiwa was found guilty. Justice Oshodi cited the survivor’s detailed testimony and Muyiwa’s admission of seeking a relationship with her, which he claimed was platonic, as key factors in the conviction.
“Kolawole Muyiwa I have found you guilty rape, contrary to section 260 of the criminal law chapter 17 volume laws of Lagos state 2015,” Justice Oshodi stated. “I note that you are a first-time offender with no criminal record, and you are married with three children. You also served as a part time lecturer. However, the gravity of the offense committed cannot be overlooked: “As a part-time lecturer, you occupied the position of trust and authority which you abused. Section 260 of the criminal law describes life imprisonment punishment for your crime, and that is what I shall sentence you to. You shall also be registered as a sex offender.”
During the trial, the survivor testified that on 11th October 2021, Muyiwa asked her to fetch food for him. He then led her to his office, claiming he needed help marking exam scripts. Once inside, he locked the doors and sexually assaulted her, despite her being menstruating. The survivor recounted his words after the assault: “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”
Muyiwa claimed he had only asked for a “casual” relationship, which he defined as non-sexual, and denied the rape. He said he met her at the gate on 11th October 2021, when he came to submit a script, and she offered to carry his bag. He then asked her to help record scores.
His counsel, Dr G.O. Erenta, argued for his acquittal, claiming the survivor’s testimony was fabricated and lacked corroboration. However, Justice Oshodi dismissed this, stating that the survivor’s testimony was consistent with that of the legal practitioner and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO).
