Lagos Court Sentences Press Worker to Life in Prison for Defiling 11-Year-Old Girl

A press worker, Emmanuel Lakehinde, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Lagos court after being found guilty of raping and defiling a minor.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences and Domestic Court in Ikeja. Lakehinde was convicted on charges of defilement and conspiracy related to the assault of an 11-year-old girl.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Babajide Boye, detailed how Lakehinde and several accomplices, who remain at large, sexually assaulted the young girl on December 12, 2013. The incident occurred on Sanusi Street in the Shomolu area of Lagos. One of the other suspects, identified as Sesan Oluwole, reportedly absconded after being granted bail.

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The prosecution argued that the crimes violated Sections 137 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. To support its case, the state presented three key witnesses: the survivor, her grandfather, and a medical professional. Their testimonies, along with other evidence, were accepted by the court.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He condemned the act, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of such crimes on children.

“The child you assaulted was 11 years old,” the judge declared while addressing the convict. “Her family rightly rejected any plea bargain, as your actions have caused irreversible harm and trauma that will stay with her for life.”

Consequently, Justice Oshodi sentenced Lakehinde to life imprisonment for the charge of defilement and an additional 10-year term for conspiracy.