Bricklayer Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For R3ping Neighbour’s 8-Year-Old Daughter In Lagos

A bricklayer, Azeez Shoderu (also known as Chisco), has been condemned to life imprisonment by a Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja for sexually assaulting his neighbor’s eight-year-old daughter in a bathroom.

The sentencing took place on Monday, June 16, 2025, by Justice Rahman Oshodi after the prosecution successfully demonstrated the charge of defilement.

Justice Oshodi, in his ruling, stated that the prosecution provided compelling evidence against the defendant.

“The evidence before this court is overwhelming and the prosecution has proved the charge of defilement beyond reasonable doubt.”

The judge further noted that Shoderu’s account was contradictory and unpersuasive.

The court was informed that the crime occurred on July 27, 2022, at the residence where the defendant, a squatter at 25 Ago-Hausa Street, Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos, lived.

The defendant acknowledged interacting with the child, stating he had requested her to fetch water for him in the bathroom.

However, the victim testified, “I went to urinate at the bathroom when he covered my mouth, placed me on his lap, and had s3xual intercourse with me.”

The defendant denied any misconduct when interrogated at the police station and entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment on September 29, 2023.

The court deemed the victim’s testimony trustworthy, supported by the medical report and evidence from the Investigating Police Officer and the medical doctor.

Justice Oshodi underscored the legal stance on consent.

“A child who has not attained the age of 18 years is incapable of consenting to s3xual activity,” he said.

“The convict’s actions have inflicted deep psychological wounds on the victim, which may take a lifetime to heal.”

The judge mandated that Shoderu’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

The prosecution, headed by O.S. Dada, during the trial, presented three witnesses and submitted exhibits to substantiate the charge.

The defense counsel appealed for mercy, highlighting that the defendant was a first-time offender and expressed hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent.

However, the prosecution pressed the court to consider Shoderu’s abuse of his position and the victim’s defenselessness.

Dada argued, “The victim was eight years old, a child who should have been safe in her home environment.”

After reviewing the arguments, Justice Oshodi stated, “The Investigating Police Officer indicated that this is not the convict’s first offence.”

As a result, the court declared Shoderu guilty of defilement and imposed a life imprisonment sentence.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli