MICHAEL AKINOLA
Justice has finally come the way of a 3-year old pupil, who was defiled by her 25-year old teacher, Chukwunonso Okafor, inside the school premises following the judgment of the Lagos State High Court in the State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Chukwunonso Okafor to double imprisonment for sexually assaulting a three-year-old pupil under his care.
The presiding judge, Justice Abiola Soladoye, while delivering judgment highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable members, found the teacher guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
The Court heard the harrowing testimony of how Okafor, employed as a teacher at a school in Abaranje, Ikotun area of Lagos State, abused his position of trust to sexually assault the minor between July and December 2022.
The victim, now five years old, who appeared before the Court to give evidence, provided details of the abuse that included both vaginal penetration and forced oral sex.
Justice Soladoye, in her 45-page judgment, described the convict’s actions as “barbaric” and “a complete betrayal of the sacred trust placed in educators.”
The judge emphasized that the victim’s account was consistent with medical evidence and corroborated by the first prosecution witness, leaving no reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
The conviction was secured under three separate counts of the Lagos State Criminal Law:
1. Count One (Sexual Assault by Penetration) Life imprisonment under Section 261 for inserting his penis into the victim’s vagina.
2. Count Two (Defilement): Life imprisonment under Section 137.
3. Count Three (Sexual Assault) Seven years imprisonment under Section 135
Justice Soladoye ordered that all sentences run concurrently, meaning Okafor will serve life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The judgment referenced recent amendments to Lagos State’s sexual offenses legislation that removed judicial discretion in sentencing for such egregious crimes against children.
Child psychologists testifying for the prosecution detailed the profound and lasting trauma inflicted on the victim. Dr. Folake Adebowale, a specialist in childhood trauma, explained that such early sexual abuse can lead to complex post-traumatic stress disorder, attachment disorders, and lifelong mental health challenges.
The court heard how the child had developed severe anxiety, night terrors, and regressive behaviours following the abuse.
Forensic evidence presented included medical reports confirming physical trauma consistent with sexual assault, as well as DNA evidence linking Okafor to the crimes.
The prosecution team, led by Senior State Counsel, Bisi Ogungbesan, praised the thorough Police investigation that ensured crucial evidence was properly preserved despite initial attempts by the school administration to cover up the incident.
This case has reignited national conversations about child safety in educational institutions. Education Commissioner, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo announced immediate plans for:
1. Mandatory background checks for all school staff
2. Installation of surveillance cameras in preschool facilities
3. Specialized training for teachers on recognizing signs of abuse
4. Establishment of a state-wide hotline for reporting suspected cases.
Investigations revealed that Okafor had no prior criminal record and came from a respected family in Anambra State. His defense counsel, Mr. Adebayo Johnson, argued unsuccessfully for leniency, citing the defendant’s young age and claiming the acts were “out of character.”
However, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting the abuse was premeditated and occurred repeatedly over several months.
The trial, which lasted eighteen months, faced numerous challenges including witness intimidation attempts and procedural delays.
Justice Soladoye commended the victim’s family for their courage in pursuing justice despite pressure from community members to settle the matter privately.
Legal experts note that while Nigeria’s laws are robust, implementation remains inconsistent across states, with Lagos leading in prosecution rates for sexual crimes.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has committed to providing lifelong support for the victim, including:
– Comprehensive medical care
– Psychological counseling
– Educational scholarships
– Legal assistance for any future needs
The Director, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasized that “the journey to healing is long, but the state will stand with this survivor every step of the way.”
This landmark judgment represents a significant victory for Nigeria’s justice system and child protection advocates. As the nation grapples with alarming rates of sexual violence against children, the court’s uncompromising stance serves as both punishment and deterrent.
The case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in school safety protocols, community education, and support services for survivors.
While the life sentence cannot undo the harm inflicted, it affirms society’s commitment to defending children’s innocence and holding perpetrators accountable.
As Justice Soladoye concluded in her verdict: “When we fail our children, we fail our future. This court will never fail in its duty to protect them”.
