The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday sentenced a 58-year-old paedophile, Obinna Iziejen to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 12-year-old pupil.
Justice Sybil Nwaka handed down the verdict after Iziejen pleaded guilty to three-count charge of defilement of a child.
The convict was arraigned alongside Raimi Jimoh (38 ) and Arowolo Olorunwa (35 ) who pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Iziejen conviction is the first judgment of the Sexual Offences Court inaugurated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on February 1.
The prosecutor, Jide Boye, a Chief State Counsel told the court that the convict committed the offence in 2017 at Orimedu Town, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
“It was observed by her school authorities that she often returned late from her lunch break during school hours. Upon inquiry, the child admitted that Olorunwa has been having sexual intercourse with her during the break time. The head teacher of the school, probing further, reported the matter at the Akodo Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki.
“At the police station, the child also identified Jimoh and Iziejen as persons who also defiled her on a number of occasions during her break time,” he said.
The prosecution revealed that Iziejen, in his statement to the police, admitted defiling the pupil on three occasions in his home.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nwaka stated that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to sexual predators in the state.
“I cannot agree more with the prosecuting counsel that incidences of rape have taken a new astronomical dimension in our society. The rate at which men in our society are prowling around, looking for young underage children to defile, is alarming. Children, especially the girl child, are no longer safe in the custody of uncles, brothers even fathers; this is sad.
“Our children, especially the girl child , should be encouraged to cry out and report any sexual assault against them, as this is the only way to correct this dire situation. We desire to make the city of Lagos and its environs safe for our children. These children are leaders of tomorrow and as such, not to be ruined in their formative years. The state of Lagos has zero tolerance for sexual offences. For these reasons, I hereby sentence you to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour ; this is the judgment of this honourable court,” the judge pronounced
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