A Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday sentenced a head-teacher, Benjamin Ogba, to two life sentences for defiling two underaged girls, both seven years old.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, it was reported that Justice Abiola Soladoye held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond doubt to the court’s satisfaction.
Soladoye, however, held that the evidence of the defense witnesses was tainted with lies, which did not hold water. According to her, the convict is a serial pedophile, and his testimonies are a pack of lies.
She said: “The defendant and his fellow defense witnesses were not truthful and credible in their testimonies.
“Their testimonies were a pack of lies and fell asunder like a pack of cards.
“This serial pedophile, a headteacher, who is expected to teach his students morals, stooped so low and defiled the underage girls, what a shame!
“This irresponsible and randy teacher who teaches his students nonsense should be locked away,” she ruled.
The Judge also praised the two survivors for their courage to speak up in court against their assailant. She said that sexual abuse of any sort must be reported and not swept under the carpet.
Soladoye further urged parents not to relent in reporting sexual abuse cases to the appropriate authorities.
“Continuous education and awareness of this issue of sexual menace must be at the forefront of all stakeholders in the administration of justice to advocate for the rights of young children.
“The defendant, having been found guilty of the two counts bordering on blasphemy, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.
“The sentencing will, however, run concurrently, and his name be registered in the sex offenses register maintained by Lagos State,” she stated.
The State Counsel, led by Olusola Soneye, called three witnesses, while the defense counsel called four witnesses during the trial.
The prosecution submitted that the convict, sometime in April and May 10, 2019, at Shalom Private School, Oke-Ira Road, Ebutte Metta in Lagos, the defendant defiled the two survivors by having unlawful sexual intercourse with them.
However, the prosecutor told the court that one of the girls had informed her mother, and the case had been reported at the station.
According to the prosecution, the offense contravenes the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
