Life Imprisonment Awaits Convicted Rape Offenders in Osun - Speaker

The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye has said that anyone found guilty of rape in Osun will be liable to life imprisonment.

This is even as the House of Assembly on Wednesday passed into law Osun Youth Development Commission establishment bill 2020.

The Speaker during plenary stated that the growing trend of rape cases in Nigeria has gotten to an alarming state that must be addressed by all.

He noted that hard time await rapist in the state as Osun will not tolerate rape, saying that the Director of Legal for the House of Assembly henceforth shall be present at all rape related cases in Osun courts.

He said, "Osun is blessed to have enacted law that imposes stiffer sentence on perpetrators of rape. Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11, Laws of Osun state, 2002 prescribes a life sentence on anyone found guilty of committing rape while an attempt to commit rape attracts an imprisonment of fourteen years.

"I have taken my time to study the anti-rape laws across the country, I have also met with several groups who are at the fore-front of the campaign against rape, while praying to God to repose the soul of victims of rape, I stand with those who are alive and hope that the victims get justice.

"The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The 7th Assembly relying on the thrust of its Legislative Agenda will strive in ensuring that our State through quality legislation achieves the core of the SDG goal 5.

"I am well aware of the two recent cases in our state, the one involving a traditional ruler who allegedly raped a 14 year old girl and a 27 year old man who was arraigned for allegedly raping a 17 year old girl.

"I want to charge our law enforcement agencies to diligently prosecute cases of rape. With too many instances, we must begin to hold people accountable no matter how highly placed". The Speaker stressed.

Owoeye held that the passed  bill when signed by the governor will enhance and encourage active participation of youths in policy making, youth related programmes as well as other important government activities.

He also added that the law will harness and develop the full potential of the youth in the state of Osun as partners in development and progress.