Admin l Friday, March 24, 2017
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja today sentenced 29-years-old security guard, Kenechukwu Okonkwo to 14-years imprisonment for raping and in the process deflowering 29-years-old Faith Godwin.
Her lordship, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye ruled that the prosecution proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, and convicted the defendant on one count charge of rape contrary to Section 258(1)of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
“In the light of all my findings, the prosecution has proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.I find you Kenechukwu Okonkwo guilty of rape contrary to Section 258(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. ” the judge said. Upon convicting the defendant, his counsel, Mr Worer Oduagbaka, had in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
“The convict is a first time offender and the only son of the family, he lost his mother last year to Cervical Cancer. He has been in custody since 2013, during this period he has learnt his lessons, he pleaded with the court to pass a light judgment and to temper justice with mercy. ” Oduagbaka pleaded.
Pronouncing her sentence, Ipaye noted that rape is a serious crime which must be eradicated.
“Rape is an act of an extreme violence against women, society must have zero tolerance to this act against the honourable members of the society. I hereby sentence you to 14 years imprisonment to commence from today March 24,2017.” Ipaye said.
Godwin, when led in evidence by the prosecution, Mr Kazeem Adeniji, explained to the court that she knew the convict as she use to supply goods to the supermarket where he worked as a security guard. She further stated that when she had accommodation problem, she told the convict, who advised her to come and stay with her but she declined. Godwin said due to the ultimatum given to her, she had to consider the convicts’ offer.
She added that on the night of the incident, the convict dragged her from the corridor to his room and pushed her to the bed and covered her face and mouth with a cloth to prevent her from shouting. Godwin further stated that the convict pushed her panties aside and penetrated into her.
For the prosecution to prove their case, the doctor that treated Godwin, Dr. Joseph of First Ocean Private Hospital, testified that when she was brought to the hospital, there were semen in her virginal which she was tested.
Joseph further stated that the victim had multiple bruises, broken hymen, virginal bleeding and tenderness and that her virginal was loose. However, Mr. Adeniji while reacting to the judgment commended the judge for a well delivered judgment. Thank you for the well considered and erudite judgment.
“I take judicial notice of the state of our court to make sure that the condition of our judicial officers are of utmost consideration.” Adeniji said.He further stated that the present administration is committed to fighting domestic sexual violent crime, no matter your post you will be prosecuted.
“As we all know, the administration of Dr. Akinwunmi Ambode has been committed to fighting this crime, “domestic sexual violent crime. That is why am here today, I prosecute this matter on behalf of the state and today judgment has been delivered.
“It shows clearly and this is a clear message to all those, no matter how high, no matter how low you’re, if you commit this crime against women, children, weak, anybody, you will be prosecuted and hopefully the court will listen to us and convict you of this crime.There will be no hiding place for this type of criminals in this state.” Adeniji said.
