I did it under the influence of alcohol, alleged rapist pleads

A 19-year-old Ghanaian, Joe Osein, who is standing trial for rape, has pleaded for leniency, saying he committed the offence under the influence of alcohol.

Osein, who was on Tuesday arraigned before an Osun State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, said he raped his victim after consuming several bottles of alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

According to the police prosecutor, Abiodun Fagboyinbo, Osein confessed to feeling bad after he had committed the crime alongside one Gbenga Ayelangbe, a commercial motorcyclist, on June 16, 2019, around 10pm in Osogbo.

Osein and Ayelangbe were said to have thoroughly beaten the victim, taking her on a motorcycle to the Ayelangbe’s residence in the Kolawole area of Osogbo, where they allegedly raped her, stole her mobile phone and bag containing the sum of N34,500.

The prosecutor added that the offences contravened Cap 516 A(1) , 335, 357 and 390(4) B, Laws of Osun State, 2003.

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The accused pleaded guilty to the five count charge bordering on rape and stealing.

Osein told the magistrate, M. Awodele, that he was out of his senses after consuming bottles of an alcoholic drink and smoking cigarettes.

Ayelangbe however informed the court that his wife left him after a misunderstanding, adding that though he did not drink alcohol, he could not control his urge on the day of the incident.

The accused, who did not have legal representation in court, were ordered to be remanded in prison custody until July 30.

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