A school teacher,John Osifo, was sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling an eight-year-old pupil under his care by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos State.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the judgment on Monday, stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge highlighted how Osifo had breached the trust placed in him by exploiting the child vulnerability.
The survivor’s testimony, her mother’s corroborating evidence, and a medical examination revealing the absence of a hymen were key factors in the court’s decision.
“This heinous act betrayed the trust reposed in the convict as a teacher,” Justice Oshodi said.
“John Osifo, the severity of your offense cannot be overstated.
“As a teacher, you held a position of trust—a trust you betrayed. You exploited the vulnerability of a eight-year-old child under your care and further took advantage of the Covid-19 lockdown to commit your crime.
“Rather than demonstrate remorse for your actions, you chose to fabricate lies and level false accusations, claiming that the survivor’s mother attempted to seduce you. This shows a blatant disregard for accountability,”Justice Oshodi stated.
The court sentenced the defendant to life imprisonment and ordered his inclusion in Lagos State’s Sexual Offenders Register.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mr. Babajide Boye, presented three witnesses: the survivor, her mother, and a medical doctor. In contrast, the defense called eight witnesses in an attempt to counter the charges.
According to the prosecution, the convict committed the crime between May 2020 and June 2021 at two locations: Vissol Street, Jejelaye, in Ajangbadi, and Marifod Private School, also in Ajangbadi, Lagos.
The prosecution revealed that the convict, who served as a home lesson teacher for the minor during the COVID-19 lockdown, engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
The offence violated Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015.
