SEX-FOR –MARK DISMISSED PROFESSOR TO BE ARRAIGN

However, sources informed that, the embattled university lecturer has reportedly asked for plea-bargain, having admitted guilt and also cited ill-health as a factor that may make him unable to stand the rigours of prison life.

Penpushing learnt that, the Professor pleaded that his prayers for plea-bargain be considered, more so as he was already serving punishment for his offence, having been sacked by the university.

In her reaction to the development, Mrs Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi,  counsel to  Monica Osagie,the victim posited  that the lecturer’s arraignment is “victory for the feminist movement and in particular, Monica Osagie and thousands of men and women sympathetic to Monica’s cause.”

“The fact that he has pleaded guilty and ready for plea bargain will serve as a deterrent to others, who exploit students. If his plea is accepted, it will not avail him of still being a convict. The option is a short cut for him though, but a great lesson for the university communities in Nigeria.

“We will continue to insist that institutions must brace up to free students from other predators like Prof Akindele. Effective mechanism should be in place to prevent occurrences and respond to cases where it occur.

“My client is quite excited. It has been a tortuous journey. My client will continue to advocate for other young women and encourage them to speak out against this and other forms of abuse. We commend ICPC for the professionalism displayed to ensure that this case got to this level,” she said.

Penpushing further reports that in his own reaction, Chairman of Congress of Universities Academic (CONUA) in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Niyi Sunmonu, said the maximum punishment in the book of the university has been done.

His words,“For us in the university, we have done the needful. However, since it emanated from OAU, what we do as a union is to continue to sensitise our members on sex scandal(s) which we have done a seminar (on), earlier.”

Penpushing recalled that, the Professor was in April caught in a audio  seeking five rounds of sex from the female student, where the student repeatedly addressed the other person in the conversation as ‘Prof Akindele’, who later protested, saying, ‘stop calling my name!’

The management of the university thereafter set up a panel to look into the scandal, which found him wanting and was suspended at the end of April, and subsequently dismissed in June having found him guilty of inappropriate relationship with one of his students, a claim to which he admitted.

“For us in the university, we have done the needful. However, since it emanated from OAU, what we do as a union is to continue to sensitise our members on sex scandal(s) which we have done a seminar (on), earlier.”