A court in Lagos State sentenced Emmanuel Lakehinde, a press worker, to life in prison for raping an 11-year-old child. Lakehinde went before Justice Rahman Oshodi at Ikeja's Special Offences and Domestic Court, where he was found guilty and sentenced to life.
The prosecution, led by Babajide Boye, told the court that Lakehinde, along with others who remain at large, including Sesan Oluwole, who jumped bail, sexually attacked the girl on December 12, 2013, on Sanusi Street in Shomolu.
The acts were said to violate Sections 137 and 409 of Lagos State's Criminal Law, 2015.
Boye produced three witnesses, including the survivor, her grandfather, and a medical professional, and the court acknowledged their testimony among other exhibits.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He highlighted the gravity of the offense, stating that sexual abuse of children is one of the most serious infractions of the law.
“The child you assaulted was 11 years old. Her family rightly rejected any plea bargain, as your actions have caused irreversible harm and trauma that will stay with her for life,” the judge said.
Oshodi sentenced Lakehinde to life in prison for defilement and an additional ten years for conspiracy.
The court also directed that Lakehinde's name be added to the Sex Offenders Register in compliance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, Law of 2021.