Judge Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, sentenced a head teacher, Benjamin Ogba to life in jail over the defilement of two minor girls, who are both seven years old.
The judge held that the prosecution proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, with the evidence of defilement to the court’s satisfaction.
She held that the evidence of the defence witnesses was tainted with lies, which did not hold water.
Soladoye described the convict as a “serial paedophile” and his testimonies a “pack of lies.”
She said: “The convict and his fellow defence witnesses were not truthful and credible in their testimonies, during the trial. Their testimonies were a pack of lies and fell asunder like a pack of cards.
“This serial paedophile, a head teacher, who is expected to teach his students morals, stooped so low and defiled the underage girls. What a shame!
“This irresponsible and randy teacher, who teaches his students nonsense, should be locked away,” she ruled.
The two survivors were commended by the judge for their bravery in confronting their attacker in court.
Any form of sexual abuse, according to her, ought to be reported and not ignored.
Parents were also encouraged by Soladoye to report incidences of sexual abuse to the proper authorities without giving up.
“Continuous education and awareness of this issue of sexual menace must be at the forefront of all stakeholders in the administration of justice to advocate the rights of young children.
“The defendant, having been found guilty of the two counts bordering on defilement, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the counts.
“The sentencing, will however, run concurrently and his name registered in the Sex Offences Register as maintained by the Lagos State,” she said.
During the trial, the state prosecution counsel, Mr. Olusola Soneye, called three witnesses while the defence counsel called four witnesses.
According to the prosecutor, the offence was perpetrated by the convict at Shalom Private School, Oke-Ira Road, Ebutte Metta in Lagos, between April and May 10, 2019.
He said that by engaging in illicit sexual relations with the two victims, Ogba defiled them.
Additionally, the prosecutor informed the court that one of the girls alerted her mother about the situation, and the police station was notified.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
