The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced one Idris Ashimiyu to life imprisonment for defiling an 11-year-old girl.
The state Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, in a statement on Monday, said Justice Abiola Soladoye delivered the judgment after finding Mr Ashimiyu guilty of a one-count charge of defilement.
The victim, who was 13 years old when she testified in court, said Mr Ashimiyu helped run errands and wash cars within their compound.
She recounted how he approached her outside and began to touch and subsequently defile her.
Giving her judgment, Ms Soladoye said, “I have carefully considered the testimonies and other evidence before this court, including the age of the survivor, the consistency of her testimony and the issue of consent.
“I find the testimony of the survivor credible and coherent. The prosecution has established that she was a child at the time of the incident and that she did not consent to the sexual act.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. I therefore find Ashimiyu guilty as charged.”
The judge also ruled that the convict’s name be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register, under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
The Lagos DSVA said the defendant was prosecuted under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes life imprisonment for anyone who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a child.