Street Sweeper Receives Life Sentence for Defiling 14-Year-Old Girl

In a landmark ruling, Justice Abiola Sholadoye of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court handed down a life sentence to 32-year-old street sweeper, Damilola Omojolowo, for the defilement of a 14-year-old girl.

Omojolowo, who initially claimed the victim was his girlfriend, pleaded guilty to one count of defilement, contravening Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The prosecution, led by A.R. Abolade, revealed that the illicit act occurred between June and July 2022 at No. 3 Church Street, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Road, Lagos. The incident came to light on August 6, 2022, after Omojolowo gave the victim a white tablet, leading to her hospitalization due to bleeding.

While the convict admitted to the unlawful intercourse, he denied administering any tablet to the victim. Justice Sholadoye, emphasizing the severity of the crime, stated, “It is right that a minor cannot consent to any sexual activity. Even if she did, it is of no use.”

Given the mandatory sentence for defilement, Omojolowo was sentenced to life imprisonment. Additionally, he will be registered in the sex offenders registry maintained by the Lagos State Government.

This ruling underscores the commitment of the judiciary to safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors, sending a strong message against such heinous acts in society.