A 41-year-old car cleaner, Ezekiel Udoh, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling and impregnating his neighbour’s 12-year-old granddaughter.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.
Rahman while imposing his sentence, said, “A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life.”
He further disclosed that Ezekiel took advantage of the young girl under the pretence of running errands and exploited her vulnerability and proximity.
The judge said, “Evidence before this court reveals a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour.
“You deliberately lured this girl to your room under the pretense of running errands and 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.”
He concluded that the prosecution successfully proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Udoh committed the offence.
According to him, the impact of the convict’s actions is severe and far-reaching, as the defilement led to an unwanted pregnancy at a young age.
Oshodi said, “Section 137 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for the offence of defilement, reflecting society’s utter condemnation of such an act 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 Law, 2021.”
He further stated that the convict’s name should be recorded in the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register.
The prosecution team, led by Lagos State counsel Mr. Babajide Boye, presented three witnesses during the trial: the minor survivor, her grandmother, and a social worker.
The convict served as the sole witness for the defence.
The prosecution argued that the offense was committed in January 2020 in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
According to the Lagos State Government, the offence violates Section 137 of the 2015 Criminal Law.
