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LAGOS, Nigeria - A Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, presided over by Justice Abiola Soladoye, sentenced a 35-year-old music teacher, Anthony Okeh, to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a nine-year-old student.
The court found Okeh, who served as a counselor at Lachez O International School, guilty based on the evidence presented by the state government, stating that the prosecution met its burden of proof in the defilement case.
In her ruling, the judge condemned Okeh as "a pathological liar and a soulless man without any feeling of shame," emphasizing that a teacher should never engage in unlawful sexual acts with a student.
Justice Soladoye noted that the case was supported by direct evidence, with the survivor providing a clear and compelling testimony of her experience with her teacher, whom she labeled a sexual predator.
She remarked, "The survivor's account was clear, convincing, and strong, while the convict's denial lacked credibility. The defendant’s refusal to accept responsibility only served to distance himself from the crime.
" The judge further expressed disbelief in Okeh's credibility and the testimonies of three defense witnesses, describing their statements as lacking truth and being compromised.
The judge summarized the survivor's testimony, where she recounted how Okeh summoned her to the music room, showed her explicit images, claimed membership in a cult, and threatened her life if she revealed the abuse.
“The survivor identified Okeh as her music teacher, who assaulted her multiple times in the music room.
Testimony from the investigative police officer supported her claims, noting how her mother had observed her reluctance to attend school. Eventually, the girl confided in her mother about Okeh's actions,” Soladoye stated.
She highlighted that the IPO confirmed the mother's report to the authorities and ensured that the statement from the nominal complainant was accepted as evidence. Consequently, the court convicted Okeh on the single charge of defilement and sentenced him to life imprisonment, while also mandating that his name be added to the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
