In a decisive move to protect minors and strengthen the fight against sexual violence, the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice has publicly released the identity and photograph of Onilearo Sogo, a 44-year-old native of Aisegba-Ekiti, who was convicted for the rape of a 7-year-old girl and is now serving a life sentence.
According to the statement issued by the Ministry, Sogo, who previously lived behind the Palace in Aisegba-Ekiti, committed the heinous act against his young victim, an offense that drew outrage from the community. Following his arrest, prosecution, and conviction under the Ekiti State Child Rights Law, the court handed him the maximum penalty available—life imprisonment—reflecting the severity of the crime.
The notice further revealed that Sogo has been registered in the Ekiti State Sex Offenders’ Register, a public database that records the identities of individuals found guilty of sexual offenses in the state. His current place of incarceration is the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti.
The “Name and Shame” Policy
This public disclosure is part of the state government’s “Name and Shame” initiative, championed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ministry of Justice, to deter sexual crimes by ensuring convicted offenders are identified and exposed. The initiative, first implemented under the leadership of former governor Kayode Fayemi, aims to create a safer environment for women and children by removing the anonymity that sex offenders have often enjoyed.
Officials maintain that publishing such details serves multiple purposes:
- Public awareness: Communities are informed about the presence of dangerous offenders.
- Deterrence: Potential offenders are reminded that sexual crimes will not go unpunished or hidden.
- Justice for survivors: Victims see tangible consequences for offenders, which can aid emotional closure.
Zero Tolerance for Sexual Violence
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, speaking on behalf of the government, reiterated that Ekiti has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). “The rape of a child is one of the most grievous offenses under our laws. It destroys lives, damages futures, and erodes the moral fabric of society. Life imprisonment is the least that such offenders deserve,” the statement read.
This stance is backed by the Child Rights Law of Ekiti State 2013, which prescribes life sentences for anyone convicted of defiling a child under 13 years of age. In addition, the state’s legal reforms have made it mandatory for convicted offenders’ names and images to be published in both print and online platforms.
A Pattern of Firm Sentencing
Sogo’s case is not an isolated one. In recent years, several offenders in Ekiti have received similar sentences. A 33-year-old man was jailed for life for defiling a 10-year-old girl, and a 56-year-old man received the same punishment for raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter. Authorities believe that consistent enforcement of these penalties is beginning to send a strong message to would-be offenders.
Community Responsibility
The Ministry of Justice also called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and support survivors in accessing justice and counseling. Citizens are encouraged to use the Sex Offenders’ Register—which is accessible to the public—to identify and avoid potential threats within their communities.
In a state where grassroots activism, legal enforcement, and public transparency are being combined to combat sexual violence, the case of Onilearo Sogo stands as a grim reminder that no one—regardless of age, status, or relationship to the victim—is above the law.
With the offender now serving a life term and his name permanently etched in the state’s public records, Ekiti authorities hope that both justice and deterrence have been served.
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