Lagos press worker sentenced to life for raping 11-year-old

A Lagos court has sentenced Emmanuel Lakehinde, a press worker, to life imprisonment for raping a minor and causing her defilement.

Lakehinde appeared before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences and Domestic Court in Ikeja, where he was found guilty and handed the life sentence.

The prosecution, led by Babajide Boye, told the court that Lakehinde, along with others still at large, including one Sesan Oluwole who jumped bail, sexually assaulted the 11-year-old girl on December 12, 2013, at Sanusi Street, Shomolu.

The offences were said to contravene Sections 137 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Boye presented three witnesses, including the survivor, her grandfather, and a medical professional, whose testimonies were admitted alongside other exhibits by the court.

Delivering judgement, Justice Oshodi said the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.

He emphasised the severity of the offence, noting that sexual abuse of children is among the gravest violations under the law.

“The child you assaulted was 11 years old. Her family rightly rejected any plea bargain, as your actions have caused irreversible harm and trauma that will stay with her for life,” the judge said.

Oshodi sentenced Lakehinde to life imprisonment for defilement and an additional 10 years for conspiracy.

The court also ordered that Lakehinde’s name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register, in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, Law, 2021