Court Remands Labourer Over Alleged Assault on 25-Year-Old Woman Returning from Church in Ondo

A 30-year-old labourer, identified as Karimu Jimoh Friday, has been ordered to remain in custody at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly assaulting a 25-year-old woman on her way home from church.

The order was given by Magistrate Taiwo Lebi of an Akure Magistrate’s Court, who ruled that the suspect be remanded until January 8, 2026, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to reports, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command after the victim and a member of her church fellowship filed a complaint at the Igbara-Oke Police Station on March 29, 2025.

Police prosecutor Augustine Omhenimhen told the court that the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at Isarun, Oke Ilesha Street, in the Igbara-Oke area of Ondo State. Omhenimhen alleged that the defendant attacked and violated the woman while she was returning from church, adding that Karimu had been on the run for six months before he was eventually captured.

He noted that the alleged offence violates Section 3 (a and b) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021.

In his motion, supported by a four-paragraph affidavit, Omhenimhen requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the DPP’s advice.

However, the accused denied the allegations, claiming he was innocent and had only travelled to the community to work as a labourer.

Recounting her traumatic experience, the victim said:

“I was returning from church that evening, carrying something on my head, when I saw the man and greeted him. To my surprise, he began following me. I tried to run, but he caught up with me, strangled me until I became weak, and assaulted me.

“Afterward, I ran back to the church and told my fellowship members, who took me to the hospital for tests. The following day, we reported the case to the police, and they began searching for him.

“For months, several men were arrested for identification, but none of them was the culprit. Then one day, I saw him again riding a motorcycle with his boss. I followed him quietly and informed one of my fellowship members, which led to his arrest.”

The defence counsel, O. B. Salami, argued that the accused was wrongfully identified, claiming that the victim had previously told the police that his client was not the perpetrator. He, therefore, pleaded for bail on liberal terms, insisting there was no valid reason for his remand.

After reviewing the submissions from both sides, Magistrate Lebi ordered that the defendant be kept in custody while the case file is forwarded to the DPP for further advice. The case was adjourned till January 8, 2026, for mention.