Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday sentenced a 41-year-old car cleaner, Ezekiel Udoh, to life imprisonment for impregnating his neighbour’s 12-year-old granddaughter.
The prosecution told the court the convict committed the offence sometime in January 2020 in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.
The Lagos State counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, led the prosecution team which presented three witnesses in the trial.
The offence, according to the prosecution, contravened Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.
In his ruling, the judge held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Udoh committed the offence.
He described the offence as grievous.
Justice Oshodi said: “A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life.”
He said the convict took advantage of the minor’s innocence and betrayed the trust placed on him as an adult in a community.
According to him, the consequences of the convict’s actions are profound and far-reaching as the defilement resulted in an unwanted pregnancy at a tender age.
He added: “Evidence before this court reveals a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour.
“The defendant deliberately lured this girl to his room under the pretence of running errands and exploited her vulnerability and proximity.
“As a neighbour, most disturbingly, he engaged in sexual intercourse with her twice, showing a calculated and persistent pattern of abuse.”
He stressed that the law is clear that a child cannot consent to a sexual activity.
“Section 137 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for the offence of defilement, reflecting society’s utter condemnation of such an act and its determination to protect its most vulnerable members.
“This sentence serves as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes against children.
“I, therefore, sentence you to life imprisonment under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Violence Agency Law, 2021,” the judge pronounced.
He ordered that the the convict’s name should be written in the Lagos State Sex Offenders’ Register.
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