By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A Lagos State resident, Victor Dickson, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s six-month-old child.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court gave the verdict on Monday, April 13, in the case filed by the Lagos State Government against the convict.
Justice Oshodi held that the Lagos State Government proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the circumstantial evidence presented during the trial was compelling and consistent, clearly establishing the defendant’s guilt.
He pointed out that contradictions between Dickson’s extra-judicial statement and his court testimony undermined his attempts to deny responsibility.
Justice Oshodi said the convict initially admitted to carrying the child but denied the sexual assault in his statement to investigators.
However, during the trial, he reversed his position, claiming he never held the child and alleging that the baby’s mother falsely accused him out of personal grievance.
The court rejected the claim, describing it as fabricated and unsupported by evidence.
The judge further held that the convict showed no remorse throughout the proceedings and instead sought to discredit the child’s mother with unfounded allegations.
ALSO READ: Senate passes bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone who defiles minor
Justice Oshodi stressed the vulnerability of the victim, describing the six-month-old as among the most defenceless members of society and condemning the breach of trust involved in the crime.
The judge stated that the evidence showed the child was taken from her mother’s vicinity and assaulted, noting that the victim could neither speak nor seek help.
He said, “The actions of the convict represent a grave violation of trust and humanity,” stressing the need to protect society and deter similar offences.
The court consequently sentenced Dickson to life imprisonment at a maximum-security custodial facility.
It also ordered that his name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register in line with Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by state counsel, Inumidun Solarin, called three witnesses, including the child’s parents and an investigating police officer, while the defendant testified in his defence.
The prosecution told the court that the offence occurred on October 17, 2021, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, noting that the act contravened Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
