Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced an artisan, Peter Odu, to life imprisonment for the defilement of a 3-year-old orphan.
Justice Oshodi jailed Odu for the rest of his life after he found him guilty of a one-count charge of defilement brought against him by the state government.
The convict, who was said to have committed the offence sometime in 2020, was accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl (name withheld) at No. 25 Kayode Street, Ogba, Lagos.
His offence of defilement of a child is contrary to section 137 of the Criminal Law, Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
He pleaded not guilty to one count charge when he was arraigned on February 11, 2022, before the court.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had proven the case of defilement beyond reasonable doubt.
He also stated, “The crime strikes at the heart of our society’s duty to protect its most vulnerable members. At the tender age of twelve, the victim was placed in your family’s care, far from her home and bereft of her parents’ protection. Instead of providing her with safety and guidance, you exploited her vulnerability for your desires.
“The physical and emotional trauma you have inflicted on this child is immeasurable and likely to have long-lasting effects on her life.
“The law recognises the severity of such offences against children, and this court must enforce those laws to their fullest extent. Section 137 of the Criminal Law mandates life imprisonment for the defilement of a child, reflecting society’s utter condemnation of such acts.
“Therefore, according to the law and considering the grievous nature of your crime, I now sentence you, Peter Odu, to life imprisonment. You shall also be registered as a sex offender.’’
“This court hopes that this sentence will serve not only as punishment for your actions but also as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar heinous acts against children. May it also provide some measure of justice and closure for victims,” the judge held.
Justice Oshodi held that the convict should use his time in custody to reflect and reform.
