Two varsity dropouts arraigned for allegedly drugging, raping woman

Two university dropouts were yesterday docked before the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for allegedly drugging and raping a 23-year-old woman in Lekki, Lagos.

Don-Chima George, 25, and Olusegun Rasak, 28, are currently facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the prosecution led by Olayemi Shofolu, the duo committed the offences on February 3, 2019 from 5:00a.m. to 7:00a.m. at Dallankaster Hotels in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Shofolu said the offences contravene Sections 260, 261 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Lawyer to the defendants, Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), following their pleas, filed an application for their bails, which had been served on the prosecution. Shofolu confirmed receiving the bail application and requested for time to respond.

Justice Abiola Soladoye fixed March 27 for hearing of the bail application of the defendants. She adjourned the case until May 15 for commencement of trial.

Meanwhile, an alumnus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), John Otema, has been accused of raping a student and stealing her underwear. Nkem Ejelonu, a police officer, on Tuesday, narrated to the Lagos State Special Offences Court how Otema allegedly committed the aforementioned acts. Otema, who is facing three counts bordering on rape and assault, according to sections 173 and 260 (1) (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, was also accused of raping two students of UNILAG.

It was gathered that Otema was alleged to have on January 17, 2018, had unlawful sexual intercourse with a student around the Distance Learning Institute on campus and also physically assaulted the victim by hitting her several times on the face, strangling her and biting her back; while on January 31, 2018, at his home at No. 6 Ajileye Street, Bariga, Lagos, he also had sexual intercourse with another student without her consent.

The presiding judge, Justice Abiola Soladoye, adjourned the matter till May 9 for the continuation of trial.