This case revolves around the harrowing allegations of repeated sexual assault of a minor by her stepfather, Mr. Adewunmi Ajayi, and the complicity of her mother, Mrs. Idowu Ajayi, in procuring abortions for the resulting pregnancies. The abuse, according to the survivor’s testimony, began in 2019 and continued until its discovery in 2021. The survivor, a 15-year-old girl, endured multiple pregnancies, all allegedly fathered by her stepfather, and each terminated by her mother. The case came to light when the traumatized girl confided in her school teacher, who subsequently reported the matter to the authorities, setting in motion a chain of events that culminated in the couple’s arrest and ongoing trial.
Investigating Police Officer Aderinto Foluke provided detailed testimony before Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court. Officer Foluke, attached to the Human Rights Unit of the Nigeria Police, outlined the findings of their investigation, confirming the survivor’s account of ongoing sexual abuse by her stepfather. The survivor recounted being repeatedly subjected to sexual intercourse by Mr. Ajayi, leading to multiple pregnancies. Crucially, the survivor revealed that her mother was not only aware of the abuse but actively participated in concealing it by arranging for abortions. This chilling detail paints a picture of a vulnerable child trapped in a cycle of abuse, with both parental figures betraying their duty of care.
The survivor’s testimony also included disturbing allegations of possible drugging. She revealed suspicions that her stepfather would add substances to her tea, a claim seemingly corroborated by her sister witnessing leftover particles in the cup. This adds another layer of manipulation and control to the alleged abuse, suggesting a deliberate effort by the stepfather to subdue the survivor and facilitate his criminal acts. The survivor’s attempts to seek help were apparently stifled by her mother’s denial and subsequent actions to terminate the pregnancies. This highlights the survivor’s isolation and the immense pressure she was under to remain silent.
The court heard how the survivor, desperate for a way out, finally turned to her grandmother for help. While the grandmother confronted the mother, Mrs. Ajayi initially denied the accusations. However, when the survivor complained of stomach pain, her mother took her to the hospital, an action that ultimately led to the unraveling of the horrific truth. The survivor’s desire to continue her education motivated her to confide in her teacher, a decision that proved pivotal in breaking the silence and bringing the abuse to light. The teacher, acting responsibly, reported the matter to the Adeniji Adele Police Station in Lagos Island, accompanied by the survivor and a referral letter from Alausa.
Officer Foluke’s testimony detailed the subsequent police investigation. Medical examinations confirmed the survivor’s third pregnancy, corroborating her claims of repeated sexual abuse and abortions. The police investigation also included gathering statements from both the survivor and her parents. While the IPO admitted to not physically visiting the scene of the crime or the hospital, she maintained that she thoroughly investigated the matter, including a phone conversation with the survivor’s grandmother. This information, along with the survivor’s consistent account, formed the basis of the charges against the couple.
The court admitted into evidence two statements, a medical referral letter, and the results of the medical examination confirming the pregnancy. These documents serve as critical pieces of evidence supporting the survivor’s testimony and the prosecution’s case against Mr. and Mrs. Ajayi. The trial was adjourned by Justice Soladoye until May 28 for continuation, allowing time for further testimony and presentation of evidence. The case highlights the devastating impact of sexual abuse within the family unit and the importance of providing support and avenues for disclosure for survivors. The outcome of this trial will be crucial in holding the perpetrators accountable and providing a measure of justice for the young survivor.
