Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a 32-year-old software engineer, Chukwudi Anyanwu, to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s 13-year-old minor.
Justice Oshodi sent the convict to prison for the rest of his life after he held that the prosecution had been able to prove the charge of assault against Anyanwu beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution team, led by Mr Babajide Boye, had stated that the defendant committed the offence on May 27, 2021, on Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.
Boye had called three witnesses: the survivor, the survivor’s guardian and a medical doctor. In contrast, the defence called two police officers as witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the medical report corroborated the survivor’s evidence and that of her guardian.
The judge noted that the prosecution told the prosecution that the two police officers, ASP Iyabo Dawodu and Inspector Rebecca Osola-Jacob, who were listed on the prosecution witnesses list, gave evidence for the defence instead, which showed they were tainted.
He also held that the alibi and the issue of extortion, which the convict relied on, did not hold water. He said the evidence presented in court against the convict had shown that he took advantage of the vulnerable girl who was living in the same compound as him.
Justice Ijelu held that the convict exploited his position of familiarity and authority to lure the survivor into his room on Children’s Day, May 27, 2021. He subjected her to the harrowing ordeal of sexual abuse.
The court also added that the convict’s action had undoubtedly inflicted deep psychological wounds that might take a lifetime to heal. “You have shown a troubling lack of integrity and remorse throughout the proceedings. When confronted by the victim’s guardian about the heinous act, you initially denied wrongdoing.
“However, when the young brave victim repeated the details of your abuse in your presence, you resorted to begging for forgiveness, claiming it was the work of the devil. This attempt to evade responsibility and downplay the severity of your action is reprehensible.’’
“This sentence reflects the gravity of your actions and the need to protect vulnerable members of our society from predatory individuals like yourself. During your time in the custodial centre, I hope you reflect on the immense harm you have caused and take steps towards rehabilitation”, the judge held.