An Ekiti State High Court, granted pardon to a man who defiled an underaged girl on grounds of ill health, on Wednesday, February 17.

Kiyede was being prosecuted by the police on a one-count-charge of rape of his 16-year-old cousin. He reportedly committed the said offence around February 14, 2019 at Ilupeju, Ijan Ekiti, while his cousin lived with him.

However the Judge, Mr Adeyeye who noted that the prosecution had established that the offence of rape was committed by the man, pardoned him on grounds of ill health.

Adeyeye said in court;

“I find him guilty of the offence as charged and he is accordingly convicted.

“It is obvious that the accused is very ill as he could no longer stand on his feet.

“The accused person, who has been in custody since he was arrested, must have learnt his lessons.

“In the circumstances, the accused person is hereby cautioned and discharged.”

Following incessant cases of sex abuse in Ekiti state in recent times, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, last year said no person convicted for sex offence, such as rape in any part of the state would enjoy his powers of prerogative of mercy.

The governor made the declaration in Ado Ekiti, while signing the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Child Victims of Sexual Violence Bill 2020 into law.

He directed the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, to henceforth oppose bail or plea bargaining for rape offenders in the state.