metro
Father bags life sentence for defiling, impregnating teenage daughter
A 42-year-old father, Ekpo Lawrence, was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine by an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for defiling and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter.
Justice Abiola Soladoye said the prosecution proved the ingredients of the charge of defilement proffered against Lawrence.
The suspect was charged to court by the Lagos State Government.
Commending the prosecution, the judge said the evidence cited by the prosecution had been consistent, while that of the defendant had been inconsistent and manifestly unreliable.
Soladoye in the judgment noted that Lawrence’s denial of the allegations amounted to calculated attempt to mislead the court.
She said: “The inglorious conduct of this defendant is dirty, scandalous and unpardonable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and condemnable in all ramifications.
“The immoral behaviour of having sex with his own biological daughter is toxic, absolutely disgraceful and an abomination contrary to the law of nature. It is morally reprehensible as it is incest.
READ ALSO:
- Drama As Aggrieved Workers Eject PSC Directors From Office, Ask Musiliu Smith To Step Down
- Abba Kyari: Police Commission rejects IGP Panel’s Investigative Report
- Oyebanji wins Ekiti APC governorship primary
“Where is the self respect of this defendant?
“How absolutely bizarre.
“Having sex with his daughter obviously took away his ability to make rational decisions.
“He foolishly tampered with the purity and self esteem of his child.”
Soladoye prayed for inner peace for the victim to relieve her of fear and hatred for her father, who sexually molested her severally, so that she could deal with her pains, trials and tribulations and go on to live a purpose driven life.
He said: “A father should be a trusted person in the life of a child. He is supposed to keep his child safe but betrayed her sexually; he ripped purity off her body and her soul.
“This is a taboo and he must no doubt face the music for his morbid, sordid sexual misconduct.
“For the above stated reasons, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment with no option of fine.
“He is to have his name registered in the Sex Offenders Register as maintained by the Lagos State Government.”
According to prosecution, led by Bola Akinsete, Lawrence committed the offence between December 2018 and June 2019 at his home in Agege, Lagos.
He was 39 years old when the offence was committed.
“He defiled his 15-year-old daughter by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her,” Akinsete said.
During, the trial four witnesses: the survivor, a medical doctor, a social worker and police officer, testified for the prosecution while Lawrence testified solely in his defence.
The survivor, who was 17 years old when she gave her evidence in court, said her father had on numerous occasions defiled her whenever her stepmother traveled.
She said the incest came to light when the she confided in a social worker in her school about her father’s actions.
Dr. Maria Fadaka of Mirabel Centre, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, in her evidence, said after examining the survivor, her findings had revealed evidence of vaginal penetration and early pregnancy.
Lawrence in his defence had denied having sexual intercourse with his child claiming he was at work when the defilements allegedly took place.
The Eagle
metro
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
A dispute over a ₦4,000 debt has turned deadly in Ogun State, as the Ogun State Police Command arrested a man, Lekan Lasisi, for allegedly killing his stepbrother during an argument in Abule Tuntun, Odeda Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on December 19, following a heated confrontation between the suspect and the deceased over the latter’s repeated habit of incurring debts, according to police sources.
Lasisi reportedly became enraged after being confronted by several of his stepbrother’s creditors, who allegedly demanded that he settle the outstanding debts on behalf of the deceased.
According to the suspect, the disagreement escalated when his stepbrother allegedly attempted to attack him with a cutlass. In response, Lasisi claimed he brought out a locally made gun, stating that he is a hunter, but the weapon accidentally discharged, fatally wounding his stepbrother.
READ ALSO:
- Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
- NAF Bombards Lakurawa, Bandit Camps in Zamfara after US airstrike
- Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates
In an interrogation video circulating on social media, Lasisi narrated that on the day of the incident, the deceased had gone to the market to sell garri. While heading to the bus stop, he was approached by a woman who claimed the deceased owed her ₦4,000.
“When my brother returned from the market, I confronted him about the debts and the shame it was bringing on the family,” Lasisi said. “He became aggressive and brought out a cutlass. I brought out my gun, but it went off accidentally. I did not intend to kill him.”
Lasisi admitted to firing the gun but maintained that the shooting was unintentional. He appealed to the government to show mercy, citing the poor health of their elderly mother and another sibling who is currently bedridden.
“I was worried when it happened. I rushed to help him immediately. I am pleading for mercy because my mother is sick and has no one to care for her,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation.
“It happened on December 19, and the matter has been transferred to SCID,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident adds to a growing list of fatal disputes over small sums of money across the country. A similar case was reported last week in Delta State, where a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his cousin during an argument over the refund of a ₦1,000 contribution following a family burial in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
metro
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
Two close associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the development in an official statement.
“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said.
The statement added that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for medical evaluation. “He is in a stable condition and remains under observation,” it said.
The BBC also confirmed that the deceased were key members of Joshua’s team. Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, popularly known as Latz.
Victims Identified
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade and was a close personal friend. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London and was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator, specialising in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.
READ ALSO:
- Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
- NAF Bombards Lakurawa, Bandit Camps in Zamfara after US airstrike
- Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates
According to reports, Ghami worked with elite athletes across several sports, including the NFL, NBA, and Michigan State University’s football programme. He had shared photos from Lagos shortly before the crash and frequently appeared alongside Joshua on social media.
Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer. His social media posts often highlighted his dedication to fitness and faith, as well as his professional relationship with the boxer. He was seen with Joshua shortly before the accident and appeared in a video shared online hours earlier.
How the Crash Happened
The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Makun, near Danco Filling Station, before the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.
An eyewitness said the incident involved a two-vehicle convoy comprising a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them,” the witness said, adding that rescue efforts began immediately before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived.
Two passengers reportedly died at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.
Official Confirmation
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two occupants died instantly, while Anthony Joshua and another individual were taken to hospital. The bodies were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, as investigations commenced.
Preliminary findings by the FRSC attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, noting that the Lexus SUV lost control before colliding with a stationary truck.
Joshua, who was born to British-Nigerian parents, attended boarding school in Ikenne, just a few kilometres from the crash site.
Presidential Reaction and Tributes
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the identities of the deceased and disclosed that he had spoken directly with Joshua and his mother.
“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said in a post on X.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, athletes and public figures. Joshua’s recent opponent, Jake Paul, wrote: “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
metro
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the motor accident involving Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, describing the violations as major contributors to fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
Two people were confirmed dead on Monday after a Lexus SUV conveying the Nigerian-British boxing star collided with a stationary truck around the Sinoma area near the Sagamu axis of the expressway. The accident occurred at about 12 noon, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.
In a statement, the FRSC said preliminary investigations revealed that the SUV was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit before the driver lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, resulting in the crash.
READ ALSO:
- NAF Bombards Lakurawa, Bandit Camps in Zamfara after US airstrike
- Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates
- Gunmen Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Many Feared Dead
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the statement said.
The corps confirmed that the bodies of the two deceased victims have been deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu, while the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) has been notified to support further investigation.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the management and staff of the agency, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.
Although born in England, Joshua frequently visits his hometown of Sagamu, Ogun State, and has remained closely connected to Nigeria. During a visit last year, he socialised with local celebrities and presented President Bola Tinubu with a signed boxing glove.
The latest visit comes just days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre, Miami.
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
-
Entertainment3 days agoBreaking: Popular Nigerian Actress Allwell Ademola Dies at 43
-
metro2 days agoIbadan Explosion: Fayose Releases Documents, Claims Makinde Got ₦50bn from FG
-
metro20 hours agoNiger Delta Crackdown: Army Seizes ₦150m Stolen Oil, Arrests 19 Suspects
-
metro2 days agoPlateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity
-
Opinion2 days agoHow a Misleading Channels TV Headline Reignited Nigeria’s Religious Tensions
-
metro3 days agoTroops, CJTF Repel Boko Haram Assault Near Sambisa Corridor in Adamawa
-
Sports21 hours agoAnthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)
-
metro2 days agoPastor Chris Okafor Kneels to Apologise to Actress Doris Ogala Amid Public Controversy

