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Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday sentenced a 41-year-old car wash operator Ezekiel Udoh to life imprisonment for defiling and impregnating his neighbour’s 12-year-old granddaughter.
The judge in his judgment held that the prosecution discharged its burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt that Udoh committed the offence.
Oshodi said that the gravity of the offence could not be overstated as the convict took advantage of the survivor by violating not only her innocence but also the trust placed in him as an adult in the community.
He also stated that the consequences of the convict’s actions were profound and far-reaching.
The judge added that the convict’s hideous act had resulted in the survivor bearing an unwanted pregnancy at a tender age.
Oshodi said: “A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life.
“The evidence before this court reveals a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour.
“You deliberately lured this young girl to your room under the pretence of running errands and exploited her vulnerability and proximity.
“As a neighbour, most disturbingly, you engaged in sexual intercourse with her twice, showing a calculated and persistent pattern of abuse.”
According to Oshodi, the convict’s initial attempts to minimise his actions by suggesting the survivor approached him for money, only to later admit to “bargaining for fun” with a child, demonstrated a troubling lack of appreciation for the gravity of his crime.
He said the law is clear that a child cannot consent to sexual activity.
The judge further held that the court acknowledged the convict’s eventual admissions in his police statement and during the trial.
Oshodi said: “However, these admissions came only when confronted with overwhelming evidence, and they do not significantly mitigate the severity of your crime.
“Section 137 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for the offence of defilement, reflecting society’s utter condemnation of such acts 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 court added that the convict’s name should be registered in the Sex Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State.
During the trial, the state prosecution counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, called three witnesses: the survivor, her grandmother, and a social worker, while the convict testified as a sole witness.
The prosecution said that the convict committed the offence sometime in January 2020 at Block 33, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2, Estate in Lagos.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
