Lagos Court Delivers Landmark Judgment in Child Defilement Case
A Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Emmanuel Lakehinde, a printer, to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour's 11-year-old daughter. The judgment was delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Ikeja court, bringing closure to a case that has spanned nearly a decade.
The conviction comes after Lakehinde was found guilty on two-count charges filed by the Lagos State government relating to the sexual assault that occurred in 2013.
The Crime and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution established that Lakehinde, along with an accomplice who remains at large, unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the minor on December 12, 2013. The horrific incident took place in a bathroom on Sanusi Street in the Somolu area of Lagos State.
Court records show that the defendant was initially arraigned alongside Sesan Oluwole before a Magistrate's court in 2015. However, Oluwole fled after being granted bail, leaving Lakehinde to face the charges alone when he appeared in court on July 14, 2022, where he pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, the prosecution team led by Mr. Babajide Boye presented three compelling witnesses: the survivor herself, her grandfather, and a medical officer. Their testimonies, supported by documentary evidence, proved crucial in securing the conviction.
Judge's Powerful Sentencing Remarks
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi emphasized that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. He stated that the life imprisonment sentence reflects the gravity with which Nigerian law views sexual violations against children.
The judge noted that Lakehinde exploited his proximity to the survivor, who lived in the same compound where he worked. "You breached the trust that should exist between adults and children," Justice Oshodi declared during sentencing.
The court heard that the survivor and her family rejected a plea bargain offer from the defendant, recognizing that his actions had caused irreparable harm and lifelong trauma to the young girl.
Justice Oshodi considered all defense submissions but ultimately prioritized the need to protect children, punish offenders, and deter others from committing similar crimes. "The sexual exploitation of children will not be tolerated in our society," the judge firmly stated.
Final Sentencing and Registration as Sex Offender
The court sentenced Emmanuel Lakehinde to life imprisonment for the defilement charge and an additional 10 years for conspiracy. Justice Oshodi ordered that the sentences run concurrently at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.
In a significant additional measure, the judge directed that Lakehinde's name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register as mandated by sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021.
The survivor, now a young woman, was present in court with her grandfather during the sentencing, witnessing the conclusion of a legal battle that began when she was just 11 years old.
The prosecution successfully demonstrated that Lakehinde's actions contravened Sections 137 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, leading to this landmark judgment that reinforces Nigeria's commitment to protecting children from sexual predators.
