A Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, yesterday, convicted and sentenced a 32-year-old software engineer, Chukwudi Anyanwu to life imprisonment for having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old neighbour’s daughter.
The trial judge, Rahman Oshodi convicted Anyanwu and sentenced him aft
er he was found guilty as charged by Lagos State government.
Anyanwu was arraigned on one-count charge dated October 4, 2021 over allegation of defilement.
He was accused of defiling the 13-year-old on May 27, 2021 at Surulere area of Lagos State, by penetrating her vagina with his penis.
The prosecution said his offence contravened the provision of section 137 of the Criminal Law, Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Justice Oshodi while delivering the judgment held that the prosecution proved the charge of defilement against the defendant, stressing that the evidence of the survivor was corroborated by the medical report and that of her guardian.
The court also held that the two police officers, ASP Iyabo Dawodu and Inspector Rebecca Osola-Jacob, who were listed on the prosecution witness list, gave evidence for the defence instead, which showed they were tainted.
Justice Oshodi further held that the alibi and the issue of extortion which the convict relied on did not hold waters.
“The evidence presented in court against the convict has shown that he took advantage of the vulnerable 13 year old girl, who was living in the same compound as him.
“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. His action has 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 and when you were confronted by the victim’s guardian about the heinous act, you initially denied any 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.
“Even more concerning is that you expressed your intention to bribe the police to suppress the case and protect your reputation. This blatant disregard for the law and attempt to pervert the course of justice is a serious aggravating factor that can not be overlooked,” the court held.
Oshodi added that the impact of the convict’s actions on the survivor could not be overstated as he has robbed her of her innocence, shattered her trust and left her with deep emotional scars.
He said: “The court must ensure that justice was served and the society received a clear message that such reprehensible acts would not be tolerated.
“I hope this sentence brings some measures of closure and helps her on the path of healing in line with the severe nature of the offence, the breach of trust involved, your lack of remorse, your attempt to pervert the course of justice and the long lasting impact on the victim.”
The court, therefore, sentenced Anyanwu to the mandatory life sentence under Section 137 of the Criminal Law.
According to the judge, the sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the need to protect vulnerable members of the society from predatory individuals like the defendant.
The judge further charged him to take steps for rehabilitation in custody.
“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 added.
During the trial, the prosecution team led by Mr. Babajide Boye called three witnesses- the survivor, survivor’s guardian and a medical doctor. But the defendant called two police officers as witnesses.
