The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Wednesday commended the life sentence passed on a carpenter, Tayo Akinboyewa, 26, on Tuesday for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl.

The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, convicted Akinboyewa after ruling that the prosecution proved the charge of defilement against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mr Oshodi held that the victim’s testimony that the accused had unlawful sexual intercourse with her in May 2021 in the Oshodi area of Lagos was corroborated by a medical report.

“The survivor, in her evidence, said the defendant came to her house to borrow a fetcher with which to draw water from a well in her house. In the process of collecting the fetcher, he used the rope attached to it to draw the survivor close and forcefully had sex with her in the backyard.

“The evidence and testimony of the survivor’s mother and that of the investigating police officer linked the defendant to the crime. The defendant’s statement satisfied all the legal requirements of a confessional statement,” Mr Oshodi held.

He declared, “Your actions were a gross violation of the victim’s innocence, dignity and bodily integrity. You took advantage of your status as a neighbour and the survivor’s young age to sexually abuse her for your gratification and with no regard for the trauma and harm inflicted upon her.

“Children deserve to be protected, nurtured and not exploited in such a vile manner. Therefore, I sentence you to life imprisonment. You will be registered as a sex offender, and while in incarceration, I urge you to reflect deeply on your actions and strive for redemption.

“The survivor and her family will have to live with the impact of your crimes. I hope this sentence provides them some justice and closure, knowing the perpetrator has been held accountable.”

Reacting to the sentence, DSVA said, “Justice has been served after the court found the accused guilty of the offence and was consequently sentenced. The agency reiterates the Lagos state government’s zero tolerance against sexual abuse.”

It restated its commitment to help survivors of sexual offences by ensuring that perpetrators were held accountable for their actions.

The DSVA urged Lagos residents to continue to break the culture of silence by reporting any case of domestic or sexual violence by calling its toll-free line – 08000 333 333.

(NAN)