An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Saheed Egbeleye in prison custody for allegedly raping a 21-year-old physically challenged woman.

The accused was alleged to have lured a mongoloid patient (name withheld) into a room and raped her before he was caught in the act.

The police prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on Nov. 29 at about 08:00p.m at Ilawo Compound, Adedotun in Abeokuta.

He argued that the offence contravened Sections 357 and 358 of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Anthony Araba ordered that the accused be remanded in Ibara Prison while awaiting Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice.

He, however, adjourned the case to Feb. 13, 2015 for mention.

Meanwhile, Ogun State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Elizabeth Sonubi and a member of the state House of Assembly, Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo as well as Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre have advocated more protection for women against domestic violence. They said this during a consultative hearing on domestic violence organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, held in Abeokuta.

Sonubi, who condemned any act of violence against women, said any man who beats his wife could not be regarded as responsible.

She said, “A man that is responsible man and who is mentally and psychologically balanced and has integrity will not beat a woman. “If there is any disagreement, the couple will resolve it amicably. A couple must see themselves as partners, and should dialogue to iron out issues through communication. In the process of communicating, they will disagree to agree.”

In her remarks, Adeleye-Oladapo said the issue of domestic violence, most especially against women should be treated with all seriousness.

The lawmaker who represents Ifo II constituency at the state House of Assembly assured that the house would do its best in ensuring that gender-based violence bill was passed when presented at house.

She said, “From the legislative angle, I can assure you that as soon as the bill is being presented, we will do justice to it.”

Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi in her said the NGO has been working to support the passage of two bills; Equal opportunities and the Gender-based
violence bills to support the legal framework for gender mainstreaming
in the state.

She said, “We need a safe home for women to be able to build peace in the world; women can play roles in ensuring that peace.”