A 32-year-old man, Damilola Omojolowo, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Abiola Sholadoye of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday for defiling a 14-year-old girl.
Omojolowo was convicted on one count of defilement, contravening Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The prosecution stated that the convict had unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim, whom he claimed was his girlfriend.
The offense took place between June and July 2022 at No. 3 Church Street, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Road, Lagos. The incident came to light on August 6, 2022, when the victim began bleeding after ingesting a white tablet given to her by the convict, leading to her hospitalization.
Omojolowo admitted to having unlawful intercourse with the victim but denied giving her any tablets. Despite his denial, Justice Soladoye emphasized that the charge of defilement is a strict liability offense with a mandatory sentence, regardless of whether the minor consented or not.
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Justice Soladoye stated, “It is right that a minor cannot consent to any sexual activity. Even if she did, it is of no use. The defendant, Damilola Omojolowo, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for defilement, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
In addition to his life sentence, Omojolowo is required to have his name registered in the sex offenders registry maintained by the Lagos State Government.