A 32-year-old software engineer, Chukwudi Anyanwu, who had unlawful sexual intercourse with his neighbours 13-year-old daughter on May 27, 2021, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.
The convict, according to the prosecution, committed the offence on Childrens Day in 2021, on Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos State.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who sentenced the defendant on Tuesday, said the prosecution was able to prove the ingredient of defilement of a minor against Anyanwu.
The judge held that the evidence of the survivor was corroborated by the medical report and that of her guardian (name withheld).
Also, the testimonies of two police officers, ASP Iyabo Dawodu and Inspector Rebecca Osola-Jacob, who were called by the prosecution, were disregarded by Justice Oshodi, who noted that they gave evidence for the defence instead of the prosecution, which showed that their testimonies were tainted.
According to him, the evidence presented in court against the convict showed that he took advantage of the vulnerable 13-year-old girl who was living in the same compound as him.
He noted that the convict exploited his position of familiarity and authority to lure the survivor into his room on Childrens Day, 2021, and subjected her to the harrowing ordeal of sexual abuse.
You have shown a troubling lack of integrity and remorse throughout the proceedings, and when you were confronted by the victims guardian about the heinous act, you initially denied any wrongdoing.
However, when the young, brave victim repeated the details of your abuse in your presence, you resorted to begging for forgiveness, claiming it was the work of the devil.
This attempt to evade responsibility and downplay the severity of your action is reprehensible.
The judge observed that even more concerning was that the convict expressed his intention to bribe the police to suppress the case and protect his reputation.
This blatant disregard for the law and attempts to pervert the course of justice is a serious aggravating factor that cannot be overlooked, Oshodi said.
The judge further held that the impact of the convicts actions on the survivor could not be overstated, as he had robbed her of her innocence, shattered her trust, and left her with deep emotional scars.
He said: I hope this sentence brings some measure of closure and helps her on the path of healing.
In line with the severe nature of the offence, the breach of trust involved, your lack of remorse, your attempt to pervert the course of justice and the long-lasting impact on the victim, I now sentence you, Chukwudi Anyanwu, to the mandatory life sentence under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Supra).
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
Copyright © 2006 – 2024 Osun Defender, All rights reserved.