An Ikeja court on Tuesday sentenced a head teacher, Benjamin Ogba, to life imprisonment for defiling two seven-year-old girls.
Justice Abiola Soladoye found Ogba guilty of the charges, ruling that the prosecution had proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judge described Ogba as a “serial paedophile” and criticized his actions, stating that he had violated the trust placed in him as a teacher.
The judge said: “The convict and his fellow defence witnesses were not truthful and credible in their testimonies, during the trial. Their testimonies were a pack of lies and fell asunder like a pack of cards.
“This serial paedophile, a head teacher, who is expected to teach his students morals, stooped so low and defiled the underage girls. What a shame! This irresponsible and randy teacher, who teaches his students nonsense, should be locked away.”
She also commended the courage of the two survivors for coming forward and reporting the abuse.
The court heard that Ogba had defiled the girls at Shalom Private School in Ebutte Metta, Lagos, sometime between April and May 2019. The prosecution called three witnesses to testify against Ogba, while the defense called four.
Justice Soladoye urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities.
She said: “Continuous education and awareness of this issue of sexual menace must be at the forefront of all stakeholders in the administration of justice to advocate the rights of young children.
“The defendant, having been found guilty of the two counts bordering on defilement, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the counts.
“The sentencing, will however, run concurrently and his name registered in the Sex Offences Register as maintained by the Lagos State.”
