An artisan in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, Peter Odu, was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this week for raping a 3-year-old orphan.
The accused was brought before the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, a special court created by the Lagos State Government to handle sexual-based violence offenses.
The offense was committed in 2020 at No. 25 Kayode Street, Ogba, Lagos, and when he was arraigned in February 2022, the convict pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of defilement brought against him by the state government.
In delivering his judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, held that the convict betrayed the trust bestowed upon him when he decided to commit the crime against the victim, who “was placed in your family’s care, far from her home and bereft ofwithout her parents’ protection. Instead of providing her with safety and guidance, you exploited her vulnerability for your own desires.”
The judge stated, “The physical and emotional trauma you have inflicted on this child is immeasurable and likely to have long-lasting effects on her life.
The law recognizes the severity of such offenses against children, and this court must enforce those laws to their fullest extent. Section 137 of the Criminal Law mandates life imprisonment for the defilement of a child, reflecting society’s absolute condemnation of such acts.
“Therefore, according to the law and considering the grievous nature of your crime, I now sentence you, Peter Odu, to life imprisonment. You shall also be registered as a sex offender,” the judge said.
The judge added that he hopes that the “Sentence will serve not only as punishment for your actions but also as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar heinous acts against children. May it also provide some measure of justice and closure for survivors.”
Responding to the judgment, The Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency said it stands by the “State’s Zero Tolerance stance” on Gender-Based Violence and “insists that there is help for survivors even as we remain committed to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
The agency asked those with cases of GBV, including rape, to report incidents of domestic violence or sexual violence by calling our Toll-Free Line – 08000 333 333.
An artisan in Lagos, Nigeria, Peter Odu, was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 3-year-old orphan. The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court handled the case, which took place in 2020.
Though Odu pleaded not guilty in 2022, the court found him guilty. Justice Rahman Oshodi emphasized that Odu betrayed the trust placed in him to care for the child, causing severe and lasting trauma.
The judge underscored the severity of the crime, citing Section 137 of the Criminal Law, which mandates life imprisonment for child defilement. Odu will also be registered as a sex offender.
The Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for gender-based violence and encouraged survivors to report such crimes via their Toll-Free Line.
