A Nigerian couple residing in Rochdale, U.K., has been sentenced to prison for child abuse and sexual assault.
Shola Ogundare, a 49-year-old male was sentenced to 15 in prison years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on May 15 while Oluwafunmilayo Emmanuel, a 30-year-old female was sentenced to 4 years in prison for participating in the crimes.
Police were informed in July 2018 that Shola Ogundare and Oluwafunmilayo Emmanuel abused a young girl and after getting the information, the police commenced investigation and it was confirmed that the girl was physically and sexually abused by Shola Ogundare while Oluwafunmilayo Emmanuel physically abused her. From findings, it was established that another young boy was physically abused by the duo.
The couple were apprehended and taken into police custody for questioning. Subsequently, they were charged and pleaded not guilty.
After one-week trial, Shola was declared guilty of attempted rape of a child, sexual assault by penetration of a child, sexual assault by touching of a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, cruelty to a person under 16 and four counts of assault by the jury and he was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to 15 years in prison while Oluwafunmilayo was found guilty of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and sentenced to four years in prison.
While talking about the case, Detective Constable Russell Clarke of GMP’s Rochdale district said: “First and foremost I would like to commend the victims for their strength in seeking help and disclosing what had happened to them. Both children have demonstrated incredible courage throughout our investigation and this trial, especially considering their age.
“Abuse of this kind often has a long-lasting impact on victims but I sincerely hope that they can move forward with their lives – free from the fear of being abused.
“Ogundare subjected these children to a prolonged campaign of abuse. Under the pretence of punishment, he sexually abused one of the victims to satisfy his most repulsive desires. Throughout this investigation, he has shown no remorse and the things he has said to try to evade justice have been beyond comprehension.
“Emmanuel also subjected the children to physical abuse and has also shown no remorse. She has repeatedly defended Ogundare and tried to discredit the victims.
“I hope today’s result sends a clear message to members of the public and offenders alike that police officers will do everything in their power to see justice done.”
