Man, 64, Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Defiling Neighbour’s Girl, 11

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 64-year old man, Lateef Durojaiye, will have to spend the rest of his life in prison custody in Lagos State for defiling his neighbour’s 11-year old girl, having been found guilty for the dastardly act by the Court in the State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Lagos Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court in Ikeja, who found him guilty and sentenced Durojaiye accordingly.

The incident happened on 30th November, 2019, in Ikorodu area of Lagos State at Durojaiye’s residence in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The victim’s mother had left her daughter at home while she went to purchase goods for her shop. Durojaiye, a neighbour, visited the residence and took advantage of the situation to defile the young girl.

The crime uncovered five days later when the victim’s mother noticed she was walking with a limp. Upon further examination, injuries were found.
The victim’s mother reported the incident to the Police. Durojaiye was subsequently arrested and charged before the Court where he was arraigned for trial.

During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses including the victim, her mother, the investigating Police officer, a neighbour and a medical doctor.

The victim testified that Durojaiye had sexual intercourse with her. Her testimony was corroborated by her mother and the medical doctor, who confirmed the presence of injuries.

However, Durojaiye denied the charges, claiming he was not at the crime scene on the day in question. He alleged that the story was fabricated by his landlord, with whom he had a dispute.

However, the judge dismissed his defence, stating that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt and found him guilty as charged by the Police.

While sentencing Durojaiye, Justice Oshodi stated that the victim had endured both physical and psychological trauma as a result of the crime.

He ordered that Durojaiye’s name be registered as a sex offender in the Lagos State government’s database having been sentenced to life imprisonment over the crime.