Counsel to Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) lecturer accused of raping a 20-year-old student, Finyinfoluwa Owonifari, has closed his cross-examination of the complainant following a grueling session aimed at testing the credibility of her claims.
The defense lead counsel, Bidemi Ademola-Bello (SAN), informed the court that having exhausted all lines of questioning, thoroughly reviewed the submitted evidence, and meticulously probed the complainant’s allegations, the defense was satisfied to bring its cross-examination to a formal close.
The high-stakes proceedings, presided over by Justice Ogala, witnessed intense legal sparring as the defense sought to establish inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony.
A major flashpoint during the session occurred when Ademola-Bello (SAN) confronted the complainant with forensic data retrieved from her mobile device. The defense counsel heavily interrogated her regarding her relationship with an individual identified in her contacts list as "Olive."
The defense pointed out that the name "Olive" was saved on the complainant's phone flanked by two heart emojis, a distinct formatting choice identical to how she had stored her own mother’s contact name.
When pressed by the defense to explain the nature of this relationship, the complainant vehemently denied being close friends with Olive, maintaining that the contact details and accompanying emojis did not carry the sentimental weight or close intimacy implied by the defense.
Ademola-Bello, however, argued that the digital labeling suggested a level of familiarity that contrasted with her earlier assertions regarding her social circle and interactions during the period of the alleged incident.
Earlier in the proceedings, the defense moved to tie up loose ends regarding the academic background surrounding the case. A key piece of documentary evidence, the official examination scoresheet of the complainant was formally presented to the court.
The document, which had been subpoenaed by the court from the UNILAG management, was brought in by a university representative, Dr. Abubakar. Upon presentation, the scoresheet was shown to the complainant, who certified the document under oath as her true and accurate examination sheet for the specific course administered by the defendant.
The admission of the academic record marks a critical structural component of the defense's framework as the trial progresses.
With the defense wrapping up its intense scrutiny of the alleged victim's testimony, the trial is set to transition into its next crucial phase.
Justice Ogala of the Lagos High Court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24 and 29, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to formally open its substantive case, calling its witnesses and presenting primary evidence to establish the criminal liability of the embattled lecturer.
