Sex-for-mark Professor Bags Two Years Jail-Term
Sex-for -mark Professor of Management and Accountancy of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Richard Akindele today bags two years jail term after he recanted and pleaded guilty to the four-count charge on corrupt practices.
Akindele who was found guilty by the sex-for mark panel set up by the University in April was dismissed from the Institution and turned over to the Independent and Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for trial.
He had been on trial before a Federal High Court in Osogbo since September was remanded in Prisons after he pleaded not guilty to charges of corrupt practices in demanding for sex in exchange for higher grades from one of his Masters Class Students, Miss Monica Osagie.
Akindele was arraigned at the Federal High Court by ICPC on a four point count charge as contained in Sections 8(1) (a) (ii), and 18 (d) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000 punishable under the Law.
The Accused who had pleaded not guilty to all the charges at each of his appearances in court however recanted before Justice Maureen Oyetenu today in a teary mode and requested for a non-custodial trial adding also that he was willing to make public apology to Ms Osagie.
Akindele while addressing the court through his Lawyer, offered a plea bargain and a public apology to Ms Osagie.
The Judge however refused the non-custodial sentence ruling that it is time someone is actually taught a lesson on sexual harassment and adding that the case at hand is beyond Monica Osagie.
Justice Oyetenu in her ruling also noted that it is time such trauma caused by sexual harassments be nipped in the bud.
Delivering her judgement, Justice Oyetenu slammed 24-months on counts 1 and 2 each and 12-months each on Counts 3 and 4 respectively saying all terms are to be served concurrently.
Immediately the judgement was served on the ex-Lecturer, he could not hold himself back as he broke down and wept.
Counsel to Osagie, Dr Abiola Akinyode described the verdict as “a victory for all women and girls”.
Akindele was alleged by one of his Masters Students, Ms Monica Osagie in the Department, to have requested for five rounds of sex to change a failed subject to pass.
Osagie it was reported lured Akindele to enable her get clear evidence to nail him for corrupt tendencies and prove of sexual intimidation and harassment.
