The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, a 32-year-old software engineer, Chukwudi Anyanwu, who had unlawful sexual intercourse with his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter on May 27, 2021.
According to the prosecution, the convict committed the offence on Children’s day in 2021, on Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos State.
The judge held that the evidence of the survivor was corroborated by the medical report and that of her guardian (name withheld).
Justice Oshodi disregarded the testimonies of two police officers, ASP Iyabo Dawodu and Inspector Rebecca Osola-Jacob, who were called by the prosecution, saying they gave evidence for the defence instead of the prosecution which showed that their testimonies were tainted.
Justice Oshodi also held that the alibi and the issue of extortion which the convict relied on did not hold water.
According to him, the evidence presented in court against the convict had shown that he took advantage of the vulnerable 13-year-old girl who was living in the same compound as him.
He disclosed that the convict exploited his position of familiarity and authority to lure the survivor into his room on Children’s Day, 2021, and subjected her to the harrowing ordeal of sexual abuse.
In his words, “The convict’s action had undoubtedly inflicted deep psychological wounds that might take a lifetime to heal”.
The judge observed that even more appalling was that the convict expressed his intention to bribe the police to suppress the case and protect his reputation.
“This blatant disregard for the law and attempts to pervert the course of justice is a serious aggravating factor that cannot be overlooked,” he said.
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The judge further held that the impact of the convict’s actions on the survivor could not be overstated as he had robbed her of her innocence, shattered her trust and left her with deep emotional scars.
He said that the court must ensure that justice was served and that society received a clear message that such reprehensible acts would not be tolerated.
