A 30 year old member of the Eiye confraternity secret cult, Iwaetan Segun has been sentenced to 24 years and to die by hanging, having been found culpable in conspiracy, stealing, receiving stolen property, burglary, and unlawful possession of firearm.
The sentences were handed down by the Justice Justice Adeniyi Familoni-led State High Court in Ado Ekiti.
The convicted, alongside one, Atila Iwaetan (now at large) were arraigned on 16th December, 2021.
They were charged on 16th day of January, 2021 at Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of the hounourable court, and he charge was read thus:
“That you Iwaetun Segun and Atila Iwaetun did conspire to commit burglary and stealing, break into the shop of Olayemi Oyerinde, received stolen properties such as 50 jean trousers, 15 polo shirts, 30 pairs of leather slippers among others, worth over N1.8 million property of Olayemi Oyerinde.
“Also on 5th of February, 2021 raped a 20 year old Federal Polytechnic student at Odo Ado Street Ado Ekiti while unlawfully in possession of two guns, he was on 10th February, 2021 found to be a member of the Eiye confraternity secret cult.”
In her testimony before the court, the raped victim said, the convict was my neighbour, on that day, he gained access to my room around 3:00 a.m., he pointed gun at me, and ordered me not to shout or else he will shoot me, I was ordered to remove my jean trouser and pant, he forcefully had sex with me, as at the time he raped me, I was still a virgin. Thereafter, he begged me to forgive him and should not tell anybody, she concluded.
To proof his case, the prosecutor, Albert Adeyemi called five witnesses and tendered defendant’s statements, medical report, search warrant, two locally made guns as exhibits.
The defendant spoke in his own defence through his counsel Busuyi Ayorinde, he called no witness.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, on the whole, I find and hold that the prosecution has by the totality of evidence adduced in this case proved the charge of Conspiracy, Rape, Unlawful possession of firearms and Membership of Eiye Confraternity secret Cult against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, consequently, he is convicted of the four charges.
The sole issue for determination is thus, resolved partly in favour of the
prosecution.
Consequently, the defendant is sentenced as follows;
Conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm) He is sentenced to twelve years imprisonment each without any option of fine, sentences are to run concurrently from the date of his arrest and detention of the defendant.
(Rape) the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.
(Membership of Eiye confraternity Secret Cult) The sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.
