The Lagos State Sexual Offences & Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Ugochukwu Onuoha to Life Imprisonment for Defiling his Neighbour’s 5 Year Old Daughter.
“His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State.”
Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his judgment, affirmed that the prosecution had established beyond reasonable doubt the charge of defilement against Onuoha.
Oshodi emphasized that the prosecutrix (survivor) was a child at the time of the incident.
He highlighted the prosecutrix’s mother’s evidence, stating that Onuoha’s apology and promise not to repeat the act served as an admission, corroborating the prosecutrix’s testimony.
“As per Oshodi: ‘There is abundant evidence that the defendant committed the crime. She maintained this during cross-examination and gave further details to embellish her evidence in chief. The evidence shows that the defendant had defiled the survivor, who, to his knowledge, was a child.'”
The court also considered the medical evidence, which indicated both short and long-term impacts on the survivor, including structural damage to the vagina, uterus, and other surrounding organs.
“Oshodi noted: ‘According to the medical evidence, the psychology of the victim was affected and may require years of counselling.'”
“The judge addressed Onuoha directly, stating: ‘You offered no words of consolation for the survivor and her family, and I do not know at this time what the total ramifications will be for the survivor. The extent of damage you have done to the survivor for your sexual gratification is mind-boggling, and you did not show any sign of remorse.'”
In addition to the life imprisonment sentence, the court ordered that Onuoha’s name be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
“The prosecutor, Mr. Adedipupo Adewetan, informed the court that the convict committed the offence on June 20, 2021, on Achakpo St., Olodi Apapa, Lagos.”
“The prosecution clarified that the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.”
The Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency reiterated the State’s Zero tolerance stance and emphasized the availability of help for survivors, while remaining committed to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
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