A-20-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, on Monday insisted that a lecturer, Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, allegedly raped her in what she described as an “underground office”.
Testifying before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja during the continuation of trial, the student, whose identity is withheld, maintained under cross-examination that the defendant raped her in his office.
Responding to questions from defence counsel, Mr. Demola Bello (SAN), the witness told the court that the defendant “pushed and pinned” her during the alleged incident.
She, however, told the court that she did not scream or call for help at the time.
During cross-examination, the defence questioned her in relation to her earlier testimony.
The witness stated that although she knew the defendant as a lecturer and invigilator, August 21, 2025, was the first time he approached her directly.
She also confirmed that other students were present in the examination hall and that the defendant neither threatened nor isolated her at that time.
She described the office where the incident allegedly occurred as an “underground office” without windows or a secretary.
The witness added that the encounter lasted between 15 and 20 minutes, noting that two female students briefly entered the office during her visit.
A photograph presented by the defence as depicting the office was challenged by the prosecution, led by O.A. Azeez, over admissibility under provisions of the Evidence Act.
But the defence counsel argued, “She has identified the picture as a representation of the defendant office.
“The defendant office is the alleged scene of the office.
“My lord Section 84 of the Evidence Act relate to document printed by a computer and which the witness or the maker must lay foundation orally, however that foundation is no longer necessary as the adversary has identified it
“Having been identified as the scene of the crime, I urge this honourable court to discountenance the objection of the learned counsel, let us get to the substance of this case.
The court did not admit the document.
The witness also recounted some steps she took afterwards, stating she reported the matter to her uncle and later sought medical attention, where a swab test was conducted.
She confirmed that the medical report was submitted to the police.
The defendant is standing trial on a two-count charge filed by the Lagos State Government, including alleged rape and sexual assault under Sections 260 and 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count one of the charge reads, “That you , Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo “M”, on the 22nd of August, 2025 at about 1200hours, at the University of Lagos, Akoka Campus, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did rape one “F” 20years by having sexual intercourse with her without her consent in your office and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 260 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Count two: “That you, Dr. Samuel Ojogbo “M”, on the same date, time, and place, in the aforesaid Magisterial District, did sexually assaulted one “F” 20years an undergraduate of the University of Lagos State, Akoka Lagos State by pressing her breasts with your hand In your office and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 263(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Justice Ogala adjourned the case till May 11 for continuation of cross-examination.
