A mental health counsellor, Dr Rosemary Ogedengbe, has testified against lawyer and pastor Olawale Akanni, also known as Bashorun, who is facing trial for allegedly defiling a minor….
A mental health counsellor, Dr Rosemary Ogedengbe, has testified against lawyer and pastor Olawale Akanni, also known as Bashorun, who is facing trial for allegedly defiling a minor.
Ogedengbe, the fifth prosecution witness, testified on Tuesday before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Ikeja High Court, Lagos.
Akanni is facing an amended three-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, assault occasioning harm and defilement involving a minor aged between 12 and 14, whose identity is withheld.
Led in evidence by the lead prosecution counsel, Olufunmilayo Aluko, Ogedengbe said she had handled more than 1,000 cases involving sexual abuse.
She told the court that she is a practising mental health counsellor at the Ceceyara Child Advocacy Centre in Gbagada, Lagos, where she has worked for more than eight years.
The witness, who holds a doctorate in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos, said her work involves helping individuals understand and resolve psychological problems.
Ogedengbe said she was invited by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to provide expert opinion in the sexual abuse case involving Akanni.
She told the court that children who are sexually abused by people they hold in high esteem or positions of trust may experience fear and find it difficult to speak about the abuse.
“When a child is sexually abused by someone they hold in a position of trust, the child will be afraid to talk.
“One of the impacts of sexual abuse is fear,” she said.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Gbenga Ojo, the witness admitted that she did not personally examine the alleged survivor in the course of her duties.
Ojo also informed the court that the defence intended to recall the alleged survivor, who was the first prosecution witness.
The prosecution alleges that Akanni committed the offences between 2012 and 2014 on Iwaya Road, Onike, Lagos.
According to the amended charge, he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl.
The prosecution also alleged that Akanni used a sharp instrument to cut the girl, causing physical injuries and permanent scars.
It further alleged that he indecently treated the girl by grabbing her breasts, ordering her to remove her clothes and flogging her.
The alleged offences are said to contravene Sections 135, 137 and 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Akanni pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.
The prosecution informed the court that it would be closing its case.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter until January 13, 2027, for the defendant to open his defence.
