Lagos bricklayer bags life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old girl

Lagos bricklayer bags life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old girl

The sexual offences and domestic violence court in Ikeja, Lagos has sentenced a bricklayer identified as Azeez Shoderu alias ‘Chisco’ to life imprisonment for raping his neighbour’s eight year old daughter.

Shoderu was arraigned before Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the sentence on Monday, June 16 on charges of rape.

During the ruling, the lead prosecutor, O.S. Dada revealed that the incident took place on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at a compound located at 25, Ago-Hausa Street in Ajegunle, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos (LGA) where Shoderu was squatting.

Dada said, “The victim was eight years old, a child who should have been safe in her home environment.”

He also called on three witnesses and presented evidence to support the charge.

In his defence, Shoderu admitted to having contact with the child, claiming he had only asked her to bring him water in the toilet.

However, the girl testified in court, detailing what happened.

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She said, “I went to urinate at the bathroom when he covered my mouth, placed me on his lap, and had sexual intercourse with me.”

During police questioning, Shoderu denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty when he was formally charged on Friday, September 29, 2023.

However, the court found the child’s testimony to be credible and supported by both the medical report and statements from the investigating officer and medical doctor.

Although the defence lawyer asked the court to show mercy, pointing out that Shoderu was a first-time offender, the prosecution argued that he had taken advantage of the child’s vulnerability.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi highlighted the legal stance that a child cannot give consent in such cases.

He said, “A child who has not attained the age of 18 years is incapable of consenting to sexual activity.”

“The convict’s actions have inflicted deep psychological wounds on the victim, which may take a lifetime to heal.”

Justice Oshodi also stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and convincing.

He noted that Shoderu’s account of events was inconsistent and lacked credibility.

Ultimately, the court found Shoderu guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The judge also ordered that Shoderu’s name be added to the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

Lagos bricklayer bags life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old girl