A Lagos court has sentenced Emmanuel Lakehinde, a press worker, to life imprisonment for committing an offence against a minor.
Lakehinde appeared before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences and Domestic Court in Ikeja, where he was found guilty and handed the life sentence.
The prosecution, led by Babajide Boye, informed the court that Lakehinde, along with others still at large, committed the offence on December 12, 2013, in the Shomolu area of Lagos.
The case was prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
During the trial, the court heard from three witnesses, including the minor’s family members and a medical professional.
Their testimonies, alongside other evidence presented, were admitted by the court.
In delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi said the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt and emphasised the seriousness of offences against children.
“The actions of the defendant have caused irreversible harm to the child. Such offences are among the gravest under the law,” the judge said.
Lakehinde was sentenced to life imprisonment for the primary offence and an additional 10 years for related conspiracy charges.
The court also directed that his name be included in the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in accordance with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
The ruling sends a strong message that crimes against minors will be met with the full force of the law in Lagos.