The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure division has sentenced 37- year-old man, Ijiwande Francis, for rape.
The accused person is standing trial for a three count charge of rape, indecent assault and defilement, contrary to section 357 and 358 and punishable under section 360 and 218 respectfully.
The convict committed the offence on 4th day of November, 2010 and was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Ile-Ife on 8th of December, 2010.
He was granted bail on N50, 000 and two sureties at the Magistrate Court and the suit was later moved to state High Court.
State prosecution counsel, Moses Faremi had earlier called four witnesses and rendered five exhibits in the course of trial before Justice Siyanbola of the Osun state High Court, Ile-Ife division.
The judgment of the lower court delivered on 11th day of March, 2013 by Justice Akanbi Siyanbola of Osun state High Court, Ile-ife, division, discharged him and acquitted him on four counts charged preferred against him.
Unsatisfied with the judgement of the High Court, state prosecution counsel, Moses Faremi filed an appeal on behalf of state government at the Court of Appeal, Akure.
During the trial at Appeal Court where briefs were exchanged on the point of law, Presiding Judge, Oyebisi Omoleye, set aside the judgement of the lower court.
Justice Omoleye found the accused person guilty of the charge preferred against him and sentenced him to 15 years improvement without the option of fine.
