An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos has sentenced a 30-year-old potato seller, James Adejo-Samuel, to life imprisonment for defiling a six-year-old girl. The verdict was delivered on Monday, May 18, by Justice Abiola Soladoye, who found the convict guilty on two counts of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.
Court Ruling
Justice Soladoye stated that the prosecution had proven the charges beyond reasonable doubt. She emphasized that the evidence provided by the prosecution witnesses was corroborated, clear, truthful, and unambiguous. The judge dismissed the convict's attempts to deflect from the offenses, noting that a single credible witness is sufficient for the court to reach a verdict.
Details of the Crime
The court heard that the convict had carnal knowledge of the minor when her mother was not at home. The judge highlighted that a minor cannot consent to sexual intercourse, and any purported consent is null and void. The offenses occurred in September 2023 at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where the convict defiled the survivor by penetrating her anally.
Sentencing
Justice Soladoye sentenced Adejo-Samuel to life imprisonment on each of the two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, the judge ordered that the convict's name be registered in the Sexual Offences Register of Lagos State.
Legal Basis
The prosecution, led by State Counsel Ms. Elizabeth Adeoye, argued that the convict violated Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. These sections address defilement and sexual assault by penetration.
The case was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
