A security guard, Emmanuel Buchi, has been sentenced to life imprisonment over rape of a 37-year-old married nurse at a school clinic, by the Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict on Wednesday after finding Buchi guilty of rape and assault occasioning harm, holding that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt during trial.
Delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the evidence of the prosecutrix was “clear, consistent, credible and authentic,” while that of the convict was unreliable and riddled with lies.
According to the judge, the convict was a pathological liar whose attempt to deviate from the offences committed “did not hold waters.”
He noted that Buchi showed no remorse and continued to insist that the survivor consented to the sexual act, a claim the court firmly rejected during trial.
Oshodi said the evidence of the prosecutrix was corroborated by two other prosecution witnesses, adding that the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for rape reflects society’s condemnation of the crime.
Justice Oshodi described the circumstances of the Emmanuel Buchi rape as deeply troubling, stating that the convict threatened the prosecutrix while raping her in the school clinic.
“You were employed as a security guard at Green Springs School, Awoyaya and your duties were to protect lives and property,” the judge said.
“Instead of protecting the prosecutrix, you became her assailant by abandoning your duty post on the night of November 27, 2021, entering the school clinic where you had no authorisation to be and raped her while she was alone on duty that night.”
The judge added: “The evidence showed that you used force and violence against the prosecutrix by pressing her hands down, grabbing her legs and using your security shoes to stampled on her legs.
“The medical examination showed black discolouration on her left eyes and bruises on the inner part of her vagina.”
The court further held that in his extra-judicial statement, Buchi admitted the prosecutrix told him “leave me now,” but claimed under cross-examination that he interpreted her refusal to mean consent, a position the court dismissed.
Justice Oshodi also rejected the convict’s defence that the prosecutrix was his girlfriend, describing it as a fabricated claim contradicted by his statement to the police.”
“Throughout this trial, you have shown no understanding of the gravity of your action for the harm you have caused,” the judge said.
“Beyond the physical injuries, the prosecutrix will carry the psychological scars of that violation.”
Consequently, the court sentenced Buchi to life imprisonment for rape and three years’ imprisonment for assault occasioning harm, ordering that the sentences run concurrently.
The court also directed that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
Earlier, the State Lead Counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, called three witnesses and tendered compelling evidence and exhibits, while the convict testified as the sole defence witness.
The prosecution told the court that the offence occurred on November 27, 2021, at Green Springs School, Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, contravening Sections 173 and 258 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecutrix testified that she was on night duty when Buchi approached her at the clinic to request Vitamin C, returned minutes later after switching off the lights, and raped her.
