A Lagos resident, Mr. Idowu Fashola, has recounted a harrowing seven-year ordeal after being accused of raping a minor who had lived with his family for several years. The elderly man was recently discharged and acquitted by a Lagos court after it ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.
According to Mr. Fashola, the child was brought into his home by his wife when she was about three years old. The girl was taken in to be cared for and trained, a common practice in many Nigerian households. She reportedly lived with the family for several years, growing up under their supervision until she reached secondary school age, at which point she returned to live with her biological parents.
Trouble began shortly after the girl’s return to her family. Mr. Fashola alleged that her relatives later arrived at his home accompanied by police officers, accusing him of sexually assaulting the child during her stay with his family. He was subsequently arrested and charged to court, an event he described as the beginning of a long and painful chapter of his life.
The accused man said he was remanded in custody while the case dragged on for years, during which he endured repeated court appearances, adjournments, and prolonged detention. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that the allegations were false and unsubstantiated.
After several years of legal proceedings, the court eventually ruled in his favour. In its judgment, the court held that the prosecution failed to present credible evidence linking Mr. Fashola to the alleged crime. As a result, the court found that he had no case to answer and ordered his immediate discharge.
Speaking after his release, Mr. Fashola expressed relief and gratitude, describing the experience as devastating and life-altering. He lamented the years lost while in custody and the damage done to his reputation and family. He also called for reforms in the justice system to prevent prolonged detention of accused persons without sufficient evidence.
The case has once again drawn attention to issues surrounding the slow pace of judicial processes in Nigeria, as well as the emotional and social toll of prolonged pre-trial detention. While advocates continue to stress the importance of protecting children and prosecuting sexual offences, the outcome of this case highlights the need for thorough investigations and respect for the rights of the accused.
Mr. Fashola’s acquittal marks the end of a long legal battle, but the scars of the experience, he says, may take far longer to heal.