Jubilation, Tears As Lagos Teacher Acquitted of Rape After Four-Year Ordeal

Emotional scenes unfolded at the Sam Ilori Magistrate court, Ogba on Monday, January 19, 2026, as school teacher Adewale Bakare was discharged and acquitted of child defilement charges after a four-year legal battle.

The exoneration followed formal legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which recommended the charges be dropped.

The court’s decision sparked immediate celebration among family, members of the JusticeForBakare Group, and activists, while Bakare and his wife, who gave birth to a premature baby during his incarceration, wept openly.

“I can’t believe anyone should go through this,” Bakare said. “I was humiliated and tormented for an accusation I know nothing about. I have lost a lot, but I give thanks to God for bringing the truth to the limelight.”

The case, initiated by law professor Adebisi Arewa, had been a flashpoint for controversy since 2022. Protesters, including parents and fellow educators, frequently rallied for Bakare, alleging the accusations were fabricated following a personal dispute over a parking space.

Defense counsel Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, Executive Director of the Stop The Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, emphasised that justice must cut both ways, commending human rights activists and the Lagos State Government, particularly the Office of the DPP, for its commitment to justice.

“Our fight is not against men but against injustice,” Taiwo-Ojo, who handled the case pro-bono, stated. “While I have devoted my career to advocating for survivors of gender-based violence, I will not support the misuse of such advocacy against innocent persons. Justice may be delayed; it is not always denied.

“It is noteworthy that Mr. Arewa has accused collective four male and female teachers and aides of defiling his two daughters since 2019. There was a teacher sentenced to life imprisonment in Kirikiri for allegedly defiling one of the daughters.

“Special recognition to my late mentor, Serubawon Adesina Ademola Ogunlana, who led the defence team pro bono but did not survive to see the end, and to Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), who appeared in court on several occasions as part of the defence team,” she added.

Mrs. Loveth Farinto, Coordinator of the JusticeForBakare Group—which comprised teachers, parents, lawyers, and former students—described the teacher’s journey as “painful,” noting that Bakare, a veteran teacher of 25 years, was kept in prison despite the lack of necessary evidence.

“This has been a painful journey. He was kept in prison and could barely walk when released. This happened while his wife was heavily pregnant. She later gave birth to a premature baby due to the trauma caused by the wrong accusation.

“We are thankful that God gave us victory because Bakare had no money or influential connections, despite fighting against a professor who knows almost everyone in government and was desperate to punish Bakare, who had an encounter with his accuser over a parking space in the school,” she said.

In contrast, Mr. Arewa previously defended his claims, dismissing the demand for further forensic interviews as “ill-advised” and accusing Bakare’s supporters of spreading misinformation.

With the court’s final ruling, Bakare—who was previously released from Kirikiri Prison in 2022 pending the DPP’s advice—is now fully cleared of all charges.