society

64-year-old man bags life jail for defiling neighbour’s daughter

Published

4 weeks ago

November 13, 2024

64-year-old man bags life jail for defiling neighbour’s daughter

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, presided over by Justice Ramon Oshodi, on Tuesday, sentenced 64-year-old Lateef Durojaiye to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the defendant was initially arraigned on December 6, 2019, at the Magistrate Court, Ikorodu, on a one-count charge of defilement and was later arraigned before the High Court on August 5, 2021, on the same charge.

The case was later struck out on November 29, 2021, for want of diligent prosecution and then relisted on May 22, 2022 when the defendant was re-arraigned, and he pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him.

Following an amended charge by the prosecution on January 24, 2024, the defendant was re-arraigned on April 16, 2024, on a count of defilement.

His charge read, “Statement of offence, defilement of a child contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law, Chapter 617, Volume 3 of Laws of Lagos, 2015. Particulars of offence: Lateef Durojaiye, on or about November 30, 2019, at about 3 pm at no, 7 Anibaba Andrew Street, Ikorodu Lagos, in Ikeja Judicial Division, did defile the prosecutrix, aged 11 years old, by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”

The prosecution counsel, B. T Boye, I. D. Solarin and B. E. Okeowo, called five witnesses, the prosecutrix’s mother, the prosecutrix herself, the Investigative Police Officer, Inspector Adeoye Fumilayo, Sherifat Bakare, and Dr Emmanuel Effiong.

The prosecution disclosed that on November 30, 2019, while the prosecutrix’s mother was away purchasing goods, the defendant who was her tenant and neighbour, visited her residence and had sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix.

According to the prosecution case, the crime was discovered five days later after the the prosecutrix was observed limping, which led to a medical examination that revealed injuries consistent with forceful penetration as testified by the medical doctor.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the defence’s first witness, the defendant, claimed he was on Lagos Island with his brother on the day of the alleged incident and claimed that the allegations were fabricated by his landlord, who he said he had a dispute with.

The prosecution stated that a series of incidents presented established a fact of escalating sexual misconduct. According to their case, the first incident involved the defendant showing the prosecutrix pornographic content and asking her if she could perform the act.

On that day, he came to our house and gave me a phone and put the phone on video, and what was showing was blue film. He asked me if I could do what was in the video. My younger brother heard and asked what the defendant wanted me to do. The defendant then dragged the phone from me and I now stood up. My brother asked what happened and I told him, then my brother went to report to our neighbours who informed our mother, who warned the defendant not to come to our house again,” he stated.

The prosecution further disclosed that the second and more serious incident happened when the defendant defiled the prosecutrix. According to the prosecutrix, the defendant defiled her and threatened to kill her if she reported to her mother.

“On 30th November 2019, the defendant came to buy ggarri, and the neighbour my brother earlier reported to was the one who gave him a bowl and spoon to drink the garri. On that day, I came in and shut the door but our net was torn, so I shut the door and entered inside. I was sleeping and had the sense that someone was pulling off my underwear. By the time I opened my eyes, he had taken off his trousers and brought out his penis. When I shouted, he used a pillow to cover my mouth and inserted his penis into my vagina. When I threatened him that I would report, he said if I reported to my mother, he was going to kill me”, she said.

The prosecutrix’s mother also alleged that the defendant and his brothers came to plead with her to forget the case.

“On the second day, they asked us to come back around 10 am. So, when it got to 8:30 am, the defendant’s elder brother and younger brother came to meet me at home. They asked me to forget the matter, and that they would give me N300,000. I told them that I did not need their N300,000 and I told him, “Baba, you too, you have your female child, why did you not bring your daughter let my father sleep with her because you cannot accept what you are telling me to accept.’”

During his judgement, Justice Ramon Oshodi stated that the prosecution had established the case of defilement against the defendant by the standard required of Section 139 (1) of the Evidence Act and found the defendant guilty of defilement.

“I therefore find the defendant guilty of defilement and convict him under Section 137 of the Criminal Law.”

The prosecution counsel, BT Boye, then appreciated the witnesses for coming out and encouraged the witnesses to show up for justice to prevail.

“I want to commend the witnesses in this case for coming out and want to encourage witnesses in all other cases to always come out. It is by coming out that justice is assured and secured for the complainant and the defendant. We humbly apply that the name of this convict be entered into the sexual offenders register.”

In his sentencing, Justice Ramon condemned the defendant’s exploitation of a child, emphasising the severe breach of trust due to familiarity with the family. He stressed the gravity of abusing a position of trust, particularly given the family’s kindness towards the defendant and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

“Lateef Durojaiye, having found you guilty of defilement contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, I am bound to hold the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Nonetheless, I consider it essential to know the particular circumstances of this case. The victim was a child, you abused a position of trust with the victim and her family; this was premeditated as evidenced by your earlier conduct of showing pornographic material to the victim, the psychological impact on the child would be long-lasting.

“You also tried to evade responsibility by fabricating false defences, most significantly, you breached a position of trust; you were known to the family and had received kindness from them.

“The victim endured not only physical trauma but also a psychological burden for keeping the crime under threat, followed by the burden of testifying in court, that when adults prey on vulnerable children particularly those known to them, such an act must face the full force of the law.”

“Therefore, I sentence you to life imprisonment, Furthermore, under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, you shall be registered as a sex offender. You shall be taken to the Medium Security Custodial Centre,” he said.

society

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Published

11 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Ewekoro, Ogun State – December 7, 2024

In a series of significant events underscoring the commitment to community welfare and development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ewekoro Division, led by Division Officer Mrs. Oyebade Folukemi, paid a congratulatory visit to the newly elected Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Council, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa. This visit, which took place on December 2, 2024, marked a crucial step towards strengthening collaboration between the NSCDC and local government officials, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the Ewekoro community.

Mrs. Oyebade expressed her congratulations to Hon. Adesina, emphasizing the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting local governance and ensuring a secure environment for residents. The visit served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving safety measures in the area, illustrating the proactive approach of the NSCDC in fostering a safe community for all.

In another notable event, market women from Ewekoro Local Government paid a visit to Hon. Adesina to express their gratitude for his administration’s efforts in empowering local traders. Under his leadership, significant projects have been implemented, including the construction of modern market facilities, such as the 183 lock-up shops at Arigbajo Market. These developments have greatly enhanced the socio-economic activities of market women, contributing positively to their livelihoods and the overall well-being of the community.

Led by Alhaja Ejire, the head of market women, the delegation thanked Hon. Adesina for his unwavering support and commitment to their cause. The discussions during the visit focused on exploring further collaboration to address the challenges faced by market women, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to people-oriented projects that uplift the community.

The strong presence of local leaders during this visit, including Vice-chairman Alhaja Abisola Nuratu Aliyu and other key administration officials, highlighted the unified effort to promote the welfare of Ewekoro’s residents. The Chairman’s administration has earned recognition for its initiatives that significantly impact the lives of market women and the broader community.

Additionally, the recent Obada Day 2024 celebration, held on December 1 at Owiwi Primary School in Obada Ward 10, showcased the unity and love within the communities of Obada Town. Hon. Sikiru Adesina joined dignitaries such as HRM Oba Olufemi Solaja, the Olu of Obada Town, and HRH Oba Kasimawo Ogundare, the Olu of Opelifa, to celebrate this significant event. The celebration emphasized the importance of love, unity, and progress in Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a related announcement, the Ewekoro Local Government has informed all revenue consultants that the 2025 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Sales of Form will commence on December 2 and close on December 13, 2024. Those interested in securing a position are encouraged to purchase the form during this period.

These recent engagements and celebrations reflect Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa’s commitment to fostering community spirit, enhancing local governance, and promoting economic growth in Ewekoro Local Government. As the administration continues to work hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future development of the community.

society

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert on the new XEC COVID-19 variant, urging heightened surveillance across Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.

The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has now been detected in 29 countries and is showing a growth advantage over existing strains. Health experts are concerned about its potential impact on public health.

The warning was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

“I am directed to inform you of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has already spread to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health,” the letter read.

Call to Action

Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for immediate vigilance in hospitals nationwide.

“Alert systems should be activated immediately for a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.

The ministry also stressed the importance of collaboration among health institutions to monitor the variant and share critical data.

“We urge you to work with relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced monitoring protocols and ensure timely information sharing with the Federal Ministry of Health for effective response strategies.”

Global Spread and Implications

First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been reported in France, the United States, the UK, Denmark, and other countries. Over 600 cases have been recorded globally, with scientists noting that while the variant has mutations that may aid its spread, vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases.

society

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

A London-based Nigerian entrepreneur celebrates a landmark birthday with outstanding entrepreneurial acumen at fifty plus on Saturday, 7th December 2024

Bunmi Olu’s leadership style, marked by exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty as founder of Dreamfo Widows and Widowers International NGO, has earned her a special place in the hearts of good Nigerians at home and abroad, and indeed the world at large

Your tireless pursuit of excellence in public service is a beacon of inspiration, and your remarkable legacy amongst women of virtue in the public sphere continues to inspire others to achieve greatness

As a trailblazing woman of substance, you continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in all your endeavors, while also committing to develop a responsible management system that ensures the efficient utilization of international resources at Dreamfo, a hub for thousands of widows and widowers

Your project vision has showcased considerable positive impact on womanhood and society as a whole, and it remains impressive. Your ability to make substantial contributions to the growth of future generations and create employment opportunities to some Dreamfo widows and widowers is indeed exceptional and second to none

Ma, your accomplishments as a distinguished woman in the battalion serve as a testament to your lasting influence on the community and its residents

Your exemplary work ethic and steadfast commitment to the well-being of the people have won their trust and appreciation, a reflection of your exceptional leadership

I’m delighted to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on this momentous birthday occasion

May this birthday celebration continue to motivate you to reach greater heights of achievement and service to humanity

Congratulations once more ma! May God continue to bless and guide you. Amen!

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos