Court Acquits UNIBEN Lecturer, Ekundayo, Of Rape Charges After Three Years

A Benin High Court has acquitted Dr. Omowumi Olabode Steven Ekundayo, a University of Benin lecturer, of alleged rape charges after a three-year legal battle. The court cited a lack of substantial proof and evidence against the accused ¹ ². The case began on October 5, 2021, when Ekundayo was accused of raping a 21-year-old 400-level female student in his office at the Faculty Complex. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to Ekundayo's arrest, detention, and arraignment for alleged rape ¹. During the trial, the prosecution team failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. The judge, Justice Mary Itsueli, noted that even if the alleged victim's claims were taken at face value, there was no substantial proof or evidence to establish sexual intercourse or rape ¹. Key Points of the Verdict: - Lack of Evidence: The prosecution team failed to tender the University Health Centre Medical Test Report as an exhibit, which would have supported their claims ¹. - No Corroborating Witnesses: The evidence of the alleged victim was not corroborated by the other five prosecution witnesses ¹. - No Signs of Rape: The medical report from Vivian Centre, conducted a day after the alleged incident, failed to scientifically show evidence of rape ¹. - No Physical Evidence: The police report stated that there were no bruises on the bodies of the accused and alleged victim, no torn clothes, and the office where the alleged rape occurred showed no signs of forced entry ¹. Justice Itsueli ultimately dismissed the case due to lack of evidence and acquitted Ekundayo of the alleged rape charges ¹ ².

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