Lagos Apprentice Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assault of Employer’s Daughter

An apprentice in Lagos, Godwin Ogboniya, has been given a life sentence for sexually assaulting his employer’s 9-year-old daughter. This verdict was delivered by Justice Abiola Soladoye at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday.

Justice Soladoye stated that the prosecution successfully proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration against Ogboniya beyond reasonable doubt. She described the defendant as an “unkind and unworthy employee” who engaged in sexual acts with the young girl.

During the trial, the survivor identified Ogboniya as her father’s apprentice, who had been living with them for three years. The judge dismissed the defendant’s claim that the survivor’s mother had attempted to seduce him, deeming it self-serving and lacking credibility.

Quoting the survivor’s testimony, Justice Soladoye revealed the gruesome details of the assault, including instances where the defendant would accompany her to the bathroom, insert his finger into her anus, and penetrate her vagina with his penis.

After examining the evidences presented, including witness testimonies and a detailed medical report, the judge found the survivor’s account to be consistent and reliable. She emphasized that even slight penetration was sufficient to establish the offense of sexual assault, and the evidence clearly supported the conviction.

In light of the guilty verdict, Ogboniya was sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge also ordered his name to be registered in the Lagos State sexual offenses register.

Justice Soladoye stressed the importance of parents and guardians being vigilant and cautious when entrusting their children to the care of others. She called for increased community awareness and campaigns to combat sexual offenses and protect vulnerable individuals in society.

During the trial, the state counsel, Ms Abimbola Abolade, presented four witnesses, while the defendant testified as the sole witness. The prosecution revealed that the assaults took place between 2019 and 2021 at a residence in Ikotun, Lagos.

The offense committed by Ogboniya is a violation of Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. This case serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address and eradicate sexual offenses within society.