Graphic Designer, 25, Jailed For Life For Defiling Neighbour’s Daughter,7

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 25-year-old man, Abodurin Apelogun, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old daughter during the COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, which found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly.

The presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, convicted Apelogun after the prosecution successfully proved the one-count charge of defilement beyond a reasonable doubt under the Criminal Law of the State.

The convict, Apelogun, was first arraigned on 27th October, 2021, but pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was later re-arraigned on 29th May, 2025, based on an amended information filed on 23rd April, 2025.

The prosecutor told the Court that, the convict unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the minor on or about 19th June, 2020, at No. 48A Oil Mill Street, Lagos Island. The act contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Led by State Counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, the prosecution called four witnesses and presented two exhibits, while the defence called three witnesses.

The survivor, who testified as the first prosecution witness, recounted how the convict took advantage of her in her parents’ absence at their residence.

Her father, who testified as the second prosecution witness, said he uncovered the abuse after questioning his children about any inappropriate contact.

According to him, the child identified Apelogun as the perpetrator, prompting him to confront the suspect and report the case to the Lion Building Police Station, from where it was transferred to the Gender Section of the State Command.

A medical practitioner from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Oyedeji Alagbe, also testified, presenting a medical report that confirmed evidence of sexual assault and corroborated the survivor’s testimony.

While delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had presented “cogent, credible, and compelling evidence establishing the guilt of the convict beyond a reasonable doubt”.

“There was both circumstantial and medical evidence from the Mirabel Centre supporting the survivor’s consistent testimony.”

The judge remarked that Apelogun showed no remorse and had continuously denied the allegations despite clear proof.

“You showed no remorse and have constantly maintained a complete denial of the allegation. Your plea for mercy cannot outweigh the gravity of the offence because defilement inflicts lifelong trauma on children,” Justice Oshodi said.

Consequently, the court convicted Apelogun and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Prosecution counsel, Mrs. O.O. Ojedele, who represented Boye, requested that the convict’s name be included in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register. The court granted the application and directed that his name be entered accordingly.

Justice Oshodi also ordered that Apelogun be moved from the Medium Correctional Centre to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (Kirikiri Prison) to serve his sentence, where he is expected to spend the rest of his life.