A 26-year-old carpenter named Tayo Akinboyewa has been sentenced to life imprisonment for engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with his 12-year-old neighbor, a primary school pupil. The verdict was delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, April 16.
During the trial, Justice Oshodi expressed satisfaction that the victim’s testimony, which detailed the carpenter, Akinboyewa’s sexual acts, was supported by the medical report. The judge stated that the prosecution successfully proved the charge of defilement against Akinboyewa. Furthermore, the victim’s direct eyewitness account and the convict’s confession, both in a statement made at the police station and in the medical report, corroborated the victim’s claims.
Justice Oshodi also took into consideration the evidence provided by the victim’s mother and the Investigative Police Officer, which linked Akinboyewa to the crime. However, the judge rejected the evidence presented by the convict, relying instead on his confessional statement.
According to the victim’s testimony, Akinboyewa visited her house to borrow a fetcher for drawing water. During this encounter, he allegedly used the rope of the fetcher to pull her closer and forcefully engaged in sexual intercourse with her in the backyard. The victim stated that this incident occurred in December 2020, and a second occurrence took place in January 2021 when Akinboyewa visited her mother’s shop near the canal and again had sexual intercourse with her.
Justice Oshodi emphasized that, apart from Akinboyewa’s confession, he thoroughly examined other credible evidence that supported the convict’s sexual acts. The judge noted that Akinboyewa frequently fetched water from the prosecutrix’s house, borrowed a fetcher, and visited her mother’s shop near the canal.
The judge deemed Akinboyewa’s confessional statement to satisfy all the legal requirements, describing it as a “direct, positive, and unequivocal narration of the events.” Considering the seriousness of the offense, the victim’s age, the breach of trust, and the physical and psychological impact on the victim, Justice Oshodi concluded that it would not be in society’s interest to allow a confessed criminal to walk free.
Justice Oshodi found the carpenter, Akinboyewa guilty and convicted him under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. The judge condemned Akinboyewa’s actions as a gross violation of the victim’s innocence, dignity, and bodily integrity. He emphasized the importance of protecting and nurturing children, rather than subjecting them to exploitation.
Taking into account the severity of the offense, the breach of trust, and Akinboyewa’s lack of remorse or words of consolation for the victim and her family, Justice Oshodi sentenced him to life imprisonment. Akinboyewa will also be registered as a sex offender. The judge stressed that the punishment serves as a reflection of society’s abhorrence for such conduct and as a deterrent against the sexual abuse of children.
Justice Oshodi upheld the statutory requirement of life imprisonment, stating that the depravity of Akinboyewa’s acts warranted a lengthy prison sentence. He urged the convict to reflect deeply on his actions and strive for redemption while incarcerated. The judge acknowledged the lasting impact of the crimes on the victim and her family, expressing hope that the sentence brings them some justice and closure, knowing that the perpetrator is being held accountable.
