Lagos School Bus Driver Sentenced to Life in Prison for Defiling Three-Year-Old Pupil

A Lagos school bus driver, Michael Mowete, has been sentenced to life in prison for defiling a three-year-old girl in his care. Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the verdict on July 9, 2024, after the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony and medical reports.

The court rejected Mowete’s claim of a romantic relationship with the victim’s mother, citing lack of evidence. The judge emphasized that even if such a relationship existed, it did not absolve Mowete of the charge of defilement.

The prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim’s mother and the Investigating Police Officer, while the defense called four witnesses. The medical examination revealed recent signs of blunt force penetration, corroborating the victim’s testimony.

Justice Oshodi sentenced Mowete to life imprisonment and ordered his name to be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register. The judge condemned Mowete’s actions, stating that he had caused significant harm to the young victim and her family.

This ruling sends a strong message against child defilement and sexual abuse, and serves as a deterrent to perpetrators of such heinous crimes.