A 32-year-old man, Chukwudi Anyanwu has been sentenced to life imprisonment for having unlawful sexual intercourse with his neighbour, a 13-year-old minor (name withheld).
Chukwudi Anyanwu charged for defilement
Delivering the judgement, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja held that the prosecution proved the charge of defilement against Anyanwu, a software engineer.
According to the trial judge, the evidence of the survivor was corroborated by the medical report and that of her guardian (name withheld).
Justice Oshodi said the State prosecution submitted that the two police officers ASP Iyabo Dawodu with AP number 055567 and Inspector Rebecca Osola-Jacob listed on the prosecution witness list, gave evidence for the defence instead, which showed they were tainted.
He also held that the alibi and the issue of extortion which the convict relied on did not hold water.
Chukwudi Anyanwu defiled 13-year-old
Justice Oshodi said the evidence presented in court against the convict had shown that he took advantage of the vulnerable 13-year-old girl who was living in the same compound with him.
He said Anyanwu exploited his position of familiarity and authority to lure the survivor into his room on Children’s Day, May 27, 2021 and subjected her to the harrowing ordeal of sexual abuse
The judge also said that the convict’s action had undoubtedly inflicted deep psychological wounds that might take a lifetime to heal.
Chukwudi Anyanwu, not remorseful – Justice Oshodi
The judge said, “You have shown a troubling lack of integrity and remorse throughout the proceedings and when confronted by the victim’s guardian about the heinous act, you initially denied any wrongdoing.
“However, when the young brave victim repeated the details of your abuse in your presence, you resorted to begging for forgiveness, claiming it was the work of the devil.
“This attempt to evade responsibility and downplay the severity of your action is reprehensible.
“Even more concerning is your intention to bribe the police to suppress the case and protect your reputation.
“This blatant disregard for the law and attempt to pervert the cause of justice is a serious aggravating factor that cannot be overlooked.”
Justice Oshodi reiterated that the impact of the convict’s actions on the survivor could not be overstated as he had robbed her of her innocence, shattered her trust and left her with deep emotional scars.
The judge said that the court must ensure that justice was served and that society received a clear message that such reprehensible acts would not be tolerated.
According to him, “I hope this sentence brings some measures of closure and helps her on the path of healing.
“In line with the severe nature of the offence, the breach of trust involved, your lack of remorse, your attempt to pervert the cause of justice and the long-lasting impact on the victim, I now sentence you, Chukwudi Anyanwu, to the mandatory life sentence under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Supra).
“This sentence reflects the gravity of your actions and the need to protect vulnerable members of our society from predatory individuals like yourself.
“During your time in the custodial centre, I hope you reflect on the immense harm you have caused and take steps towards rehabilitation.”
During the prosecution, the State Counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye had called three witnesses- the survivor, the survivor’s guardian and a medical doctor while the defence called two police officers as witnesses.
