Osun Court Orders Remand of Two Brothers in Eight-Year-Old Defilement Case

An Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo and presided over by Justice Yinka Aderibigbe, has ordered the detention of two brothers, Abiodun Atoyebi (29) and Sodiq Atoyebi (33), following allegations of defiling a minor. The siblings stand accused of engaging in s*xual intercourse with an eight-year-old girl, an act deemed contrary to existing laws.

The defendants faced an eight-count charge encompassing r*pe and unlawful s*xual intercourse. These alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2022 and 2024, specifically at Zone 10, located near the Capital Hotel area in Osogbo.

During the court session, the State Counsel, Labo Popoola, informed the court that the defendants allegedly forcibly removed the victim's underwear before assaulting her. A portion of the charge detailed that "Abiodun Atoyebi, sometimes in 2022 at Temidire Estate, Osogbo, forcefully took the pants of the victim and thereby committed an offence, and you, Sodiq Atoyebi, around June 16 to 18, 2024, did have carnal knowledge of the victim by taking her pants forcefully."

The prosecution further asserted that the accused individuals deflowered the minor, thereby contravening several legal provisions. These include Sections 32(1) and (2) of the Child Rights Law of Osun State, 2007; Sections 360 and 218 of the Criminal Code; and Section 2(2) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Osun State.

When the charges were formally read to them, both Abiodun and Sodiq Atoyebi entered pleas of not guilty. Consequently, Justice Aderibigbe mandated that the brothers be held in a correctional facility. The case has been adjourned until December 1 for the commencement of the full hearing.