Man Testifies in Court as Ogun Suspected Robber Faces Trial for Rape and Theft

Victim’s Husband Recounts Harrowing Ordeal in Ongoing Trial

An Ogun State High Court heard chilling testimony on Wednesday as a man, Japhet Akawe, detailed how a suspected armed robber, identified as Moses, allegedly raped his wife and stole valuables during an attack on a farm in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Testifying before Justice O. S. Oloyede, Akawe recounted that the accused not only sexually assaulted his wife but also snatched her mobile phone and stole a motorcycle belonging to his brother. The ongoing trial revolves around allegations of armed robbery and rape, with the prosecution seeking justice for the brutal attack.

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Shocking Attack on the Farm

Narrating the incident, Akawe stated that on March 18, 2023, while he was away from home, his wife, his sister, and his brother went to their farm to harvest cassava.

“At about 3 p.m., I received a phone call from my wife through my younger sister’s phone. She told me that while they were on the farm, the defendant suddenly appeared, snatched her phone, dragged her into the bush, and forcefully had sex with her,” Akawe told the court.

He further revealed that the attacker took a naked picture of his wife and even put a pepper substance on her face after the assault.

“I immediately called my friend to take her to a clinic, where she was treated,” Akawe added.

Threats and Stolen Items

According to Akawe, after the attack, he attempted to call his wife’s phone, but the defendant answered the call and mocked him.

“The defendant picked up the call and asked if I was not happy that he had not kidnapped my wife. Then, he ended the call,” Akawe testified.

He further told the court that Moses called him again from another phone number, warning him not to attempt calling his wife’s phone again or risk an attack on his entire family.

The defendant did not only assault Akawe’s wife but also stole a motorcycle belonging to his brother, Joseph. The theft led to further complications, as the motorcycle’s owner took Joseph to court, demanding payment for the stolen vehicle.

“The court granted my brother bail, but I was not around, so he couldn’t meet the bail conditions and was taken to prison. When I returned, I met with the motorcycle owner, negotiated with him, and paid for the cost of the motorcycle, after which the case was struck out,” Akawe said.

Tracking and Arrest of the Defendant

Determined to seek justice, Akawe reported the case to the Sagamu Police Station, providing them with the phone number from which the defendant had issued threats.

“Three months after the report, the police were able to track the number, which eventually led to the arrest of the defendant,” he explained.

Defense Questions Witness’s Identification of Accused

During cross-examination, defense counsel D. O. Efuwape questioned Akawe’s ability to identify the defendant, given that he had never seen him before the attack.

“How were you able to confirm that the person who called you was the defendant?” Efuwape asked.

Akawe responded that he recognized the voice during subsequent threatening calls, confirming that it was the same individual involved in the attack.

Following the testimony, Justice Oloyede adjourned the case to May 20, 2025 (today), for the continuation of the trial.

Awaiting Justice

As the case progresses, the court will determine the fate of the defendant, with both the prosecution and defense set to present further arguments. The harrowing details of the attack have sparked discussions on rural security and the urgent need for justice for victims of sexual violence.