A Chief Magistrate Court in Ila-Orangun sentenced 25-year-old Raji Ridwan to three years in prison with hard labor for trying to rape a female student in her dorm at the Federal University of Science, Ila-Orangun. Following Ridwan’s arrest by the Osun Amotekun Corps and his subsequent confession during police questioning, Magistrate Ibukun Adeniran gave the decision on Friday.
Court documents state that Ridwan attempted to sexually assault a girl who was alone herself in her room after breaking into the university’s female dorm under cover of darkness. Students and neighbors in the vicinity were alerted to the victim’s resistance and panic.
The attacker had to leave the area due to the clamor.
In a coordinated search operation, operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps tracked and arrested Ridwan not far from the campus. During questioning, he admitted to the crime and was charged accordingly.
At trial, the prosecution presented his confession and called a witness whose testimony aligned with the victim’s account. The court found him guilty of attempted rape in violation of Section 359 of the Osun State Criminal Code.
While delivering judgment, Magistrate Adeniran emphasized the need to deter future offenders and affirmed that the court would not be lenient in cases involving violence against women.
“This sentence is not just about punishment; it is about protecting our students and discouraging criminal behavior,” the magistrate said.
In response to the judgment, Osun Amotekun Corps spokesman Yusuf Idowu Abass praised the swift response of students and residents who came to the victim’s aid.
“This case underscores the government’s zero tolerance for segxwal violence,” Abass said in a statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday. “We commend the courageous action of the victim and the public, and we will continue our efforts to ensure justice prevails.”
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity and assured them of the corps’ commitment to ensuring community safety through strong partnerships with other security agencies and the judiciary.
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