Osun Court Remands Two Brothers Over Alleged Rape of Eight-Year-Old Girl, Fixes December 1 for Hearing

Two brothers have been remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre after appearing before an Osun State High Court in Osogbo over allegations of sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl.

The defendants, identified as Abiodun Atoyebi, 29, and Sodiq Atoyebi, 33, were arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged rape and unlawful sexual intercourse involving the minor. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2022 and 2024 in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Justice Yinka Aderibigbe ordered that the brothers be remanded in a correctional facility after they pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. The court adjourned the case until December 1, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.

The case has drawn attention to the protection of children from sexual violence, the enforcement of child protection laws and the judicial process for determining allegations of sexual offences involving minors.

Two Brothers Arraigned on Eight Counts

According to the report by Our Heritage Reporters, the defendants appeared before the Osun State High Court following allegations relating to incidents said to have occurred at different times over a period of approximately two years.

The prosecution alleged that the brothers committed sexual offences against the eight-year-old girl. The charges reportedly relate to incidents in 2022 and 2024, including one said to have occurred at Temidire Estate, Osogbo, and another around Zone 10, near the Capital Hotel area.

The prosecution presented the allegations as separate counts against the defendants, setting out the circumstances in which each was alleged to have committed the offences.

The eight-count charge places the allegations before the court for judicial examination. However, the charges remain allegations, and the defendants have denied them by pleading not guilty.

What the Prosecution Told the Court

During the proceedings, state counsel, Labo Popoola, outlined the allegations against the brothers.

The prosecution alleged that the victim’s underwear was forcibly removed before the alleged assaults. The court also heard details of the specific accusations contained in the charge sheet.

According to the report, one count alleged that Abiodun Atoyebi committed an offence at Temidire Estate, Osogbo, in 2022. Another allegation against Sodiq Atoyebi concerned an incident said to have occurred between June 16 and 18, 2024.

The prosecution further alleged that the offences involved unlawful sexual acts against the minor.

These claims form part of the case the prosecution is expected to establish through evidence during the proceedings. The court will have to consider the admissible evidence presented by the parties before reaching any determination on the allegations.

Alleged Offences Span 2022 to 2024

The reported timeline of the allegations stretches from 2022 to June 2024.

The prosecution’s case, as reported, identifies Temidire Estate and the Zone 10 area near Capital Hotel in Osogbo among the locations connected with the alleged incidents.

The time span and the separate allegations are significant to the legal proceedings because each count must be considered according to the particular offence alleged and the evidence available in support of it.

The report does not establish that the defendants have been convicted of any offence. Their guilt or innocence remains a matter for determination by the court.

Osun Child Rights Law and Other Statutes Cited

The prosecution reportedly relied on provisions of the Osun State Child Rights Law 2007, the Criminal Code and the Osun State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

The specific provisions cited included Sections 32(1) and (2) of the Child Rights Law, Sections 360 and 218 of the Criminal Code, and Section 2(2) of the VAPP Law.

These laws form part of the legal framework under which the prosecution has brought the allegations before the court.

The Child Rights Law provides a framework for protecting children from abuse and exploitation, while criminal laws prescribe offences and the legal consequences that may follow when guilt is established. The VAPP Law also addresses forms of violence covered by its provisions.

The precise application of each provision will depend on the particulars of the charges, the evidence presented and the court’s interpretation of the applicable law.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty

When the eight-count charge was read to the defendants, both men pleaded not guilty.

A plea of not guilty means that the accused persons are contesting the allegations and that the case must proceed in accordance with the applicable criminal justice process.

The prosecution will be required to prove the charges against each defendant to the standard required by law. The defence will also have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and present its case in accordance with court procedure.

The fact that the brothers have been charged does not, in itself, establish their guilt. They remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction determines otherwise.

Court Orders Remand at Ilesa Correctional Centre

Following the arraignment, Justice Yinka Aderibigbe ordered that the defendants be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre.

The remand order means that the brothers are to remain in the correctional facility pending further proceedings, subject to any subsequent order of the court.

The judge subsequently fixed December 1, 2026, for the commencement of hearing in the matter.

The next stage of the case is expected to involve the judicial examination of the allegations and the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence. Further proceedings will determine how the case advances through the court system.

Child Protection and the Importance of Reporting Abuse

Allegations of sexual abuse involving children raise serious concerns about child safety, the responsibility of adults to protect minors and the importance of effective legal safeguards.

Children may face particular difficulties in reporting abuse or explaining what has happened to them. This makes it important for parents, guardians, teachers, community members and relevant authorities to take concerns about possible abuse seriously and ensure that they are handled through appropriate child protection and law enforcement channels.

Cases involving minors also require sensitivity, particularly when information is published by news organisations. Protecting a child’s identity and avoiding unnecessary details that could expose the victim to stigma or further harm are important considerations in responsible reporting.

In the present case, the allegations have been brought before a court, where they can be examined through the established judicial process.

What Happens Next in the Case?

With the matter adjourned until December 1, 2026, attention will turn to the commencement of hearing and the evidence that may be presented before the court.

The prosecution will need to establish its case against the defendants, while the defence will be entitled to respond to the allegations and challenge the evidence in accordance with the law.

The outcome cannot be determined from the charges alone. It will depend on the proceedings and the court’s assessment of the evidence and applicable legal provisions.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments in the case as further information becomes available.

The remand of Abiodun Atoyebi and Sodiq Atoyebi over allegations involving an eight-year-old girl marks another stage in a criminal case before the Osun State High Court in Osogbo.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge, and the court has fixed December 1, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.

While allegations of sexual offences against children demand serious attention, the judicial process must establish the facts and determine responsibility in accordance with the law. Until the court reaches a decision, the allegations against the defendants remain unproven.

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