Lagos, Nigeria – A 41-year-old car wash operator, Ezekiel Udoh, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of defiling and impregnating his 12-year-old neighbour’s granddaughter. Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, concluding that the prosecution had successfully proven Udoh’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The court highlighted the gravity of the crime, emphasizing that Udoh had not only violated the child’s innocence but also betrayed the trust placed in him as an adult member of the community. The judge pointed out the devastating consequences of Udoh’s actions, which forced a young girl to endure the trauma of an unwanted pregnancy. Oshodi further condemned Udoh’s initial attempts to downplay his actions, suggesting that the child had initiated the sexual encounter. The court firmly stated that a child cannot consent to such acts, regardless of any circumstances.
While acknowledging Udoh’s eventual admission of guilt, the judge stressed that this admission came only after overwhelming evidence was presented against him. The court emphasized the severity of the crime and the need to protect children from such predatory behavior.
The sentence of life imprisonment reflects society’s strong condemnation of child sexual abuse and serves as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar crimes. Additionally, Udoh’s name will be added to the Sex Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State government.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Babajide Boye, presented compelling evidence from three witnesses, including the survivor, her grandmother, and a social worker. The crime was alleged to have occurred in January 2020 at Block 33, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2 Estate in Lagos.
