Nigeria, Feb. 17 -- A judge of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, granted pardon to a rapist, Dennis Kiyede, just after he convicted him for raping a 16-year-old girl.

John Adeyeye, the judge, said he pardoned Mr Kiyede because of his ill health.

The accused was being prosecuted by the police on a one-count-charge of rape of his 16-year-old cousin.

In his judgment, Mr Adeyeye noted that the prosecution had established that the offence of rape was committed by the accused person.

"I find him guilty of the offence as charged and he is accordingly convicted," he said.

The judge, however, went on to pardon the convicted man, citing health reasons.

"It is obvious that the accused is very ill as he could no longer stand ...