An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday sentenced a man, Efe Akioya, to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s five-year-old daughter in his room.
Justice Abiola Soladoye, who held that the prosecution proved the ingredients of defilement against the defendant, said, “The defence raised the issue of medical report not being tendered. I will say that medical report is not a prerequisite in establishing the offence of defilement as there is ample evidence before this court that are cogent, compelling and convincing that the survivor was sexually violated and she recognised ‘Brother Efe’ when she saw him.
“Her testimony was lucid, unambiguous and truthful. Aside from the vivid narration by the survivor, the evidence of the prosecution witness three, Dr Maria Fadogba, is crucial as her medical examination revealed vagina penetration.
“Also, the evidence of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Mr Orebe, corroborated the evidence of the survivor and her mother.”
She further said, “The defendant is vile, reckless, irresponsible and selfish by sexually violating the victim; a girl of five years who resides in the same compound with him.
“He messed around with her purity, causing her physical, psychological and emotional trauma. This is indeed very sad and condemnable in all ramifications.
“I have evaluated the evidence of both the prosecution and the defence and I am convinced that the prosecution has proved the charge of defilement against the defendant.
“The defendant, having been found guilty as charged, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment and should have his name registered in the Sex Offenders Register of Lagos State.” (NAN)
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