A court in Ikeja has sentenced a 27-year-old cleaner, Saviour Udoh, to life in prison for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl at a church.
Beyond Boders reports that the decision was made on Monday by Justice Ramon Oshodi at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.
The incident took place on December 12, 2018, at a well-known Pentecostal church in Ikeja, Lagos.
Udoh, who worked as a cleaner at the church, attacked the child while she was sleeping in the children’s area. The girl’s mother discovered the assault and reported it to the authorities, leading to Udoh’s arrest.
During the trial, the court heard detailed evidence from the victim, her mother, the investigating officer, and medical experts.
Justice Oshodi stated that the prosecution had successfully proven the case against Udoh without any doubt. The judge called Udoh’s actions “reprehensible” and emphasized the serious impact of the crime on the young victim and her family.
The judge noted that the girl was still receiving medical care years after the assault.
Despite Udoh’s plea for mercy and the fact that he had no previous criminal record, Justice Oshodi concluded that the severity of the crime required the maximum punishment.
Udoh was found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Additionally, his name will be placed in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
Justice Oshodi highlighted the betrayal of trust involved in the crime, as the victim and her mother had trusted Udoh.
