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, 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
Admin I Wednesday, October 30, 2024
LAGOS, Nigeria – A Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced Ezekiel Udoh, a 41-year-old man, who works in a car wash to life imprisonment for impregnating his neighbour’s 12-year old child
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution has been able to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Oshodi held 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.
According to him, the consequences of the convict’s actions are profound and far-reaching.
He said the convict’s hideous act had resulted to the survivor bearing unwanted pregnancy at a tender age.
“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, 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.”
Oshodi further said that 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.
According to him, the law is clear that a child cannot consent to sexual activity.
The judge also held that the court acknowledged the court’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 (DSVA) Law, 2021.”
The court also added that the convict’s name be registered in the Sex Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State.
The State Counsel, led by Mr Babajide Boye presented three witnesses; the survivor, her grandmother and social worker while the defendant testified as a soul witness.
The prosecution submitted that the convict committed the offence sometimes in January 2020, on Block 33, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin, Mike 2 in Lagos.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
