The Sexual Offences And Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday in Lagos, sentenced 58-year-old Cobina Iziejen to 60 years imprisonment, with hard labour, for defiling a 12-year-old pupil. Iziejen was convicted of the offence of defilement on February 15, after he confessed to have slept with the victim on three different occasions.
While delivering the judgement, Justice Sybil Nwaka said the verdict would deter other sexual predators.
“I cannot agree more with the prosecuting counsel that incidences of rape have taken a new astronomical dimension in our society. The rate at which men in our society are prowling around, looking for young underage children to defile, is alarming. Children, especially the girl-child, are no longer safe in the custody of uncles, brothers even fathers; this is sad,” said Justice Nwaka.
“Our children, especially the girl-child, should be encouraged to cry out and report any sexual assault against them, as this is the only way to correct this dire situation. We desire to make Lagos and its environs safe for our children.
“These children are leaders of tomorrow and as such, should not be ruined in their formative years. Lagos has zero tolerance for sexual offences. For these reasons, I hereby sentence you to 60 years imprisonment with hard labour.”
Iziejen was arraigned on February 12, alongside Raimi Jimoh, 38, and Arowolo Olorunwa, 35, on a three-count charge of child defilement.
Iziejen pleaded guilty, but Jimoh and Olorunwa pleaded not guilty. Their trial will commence soon.
According to the Chief State Counsel, Mr Jide Boye, the convict committed the offence in 2017 at Orimedu Town, Ibeju-Leki, Lagos.
“It was observed by her school authorities that she often returned late from her lunch break during school hours. Upon enquiry, the child admitted that Olorunwa has been having sexual intercourse with her during the break time,” said Boye.
“The head teacher of the school, probing further, reported the matter at the Akodo Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki. At the police station, the child also identified Jimoh and Iziejen as persons who also defiled her on a number of occasions during her break time.” he added.
At that proceedings, Boye urged the court to allow justice take its course, saying a stiff punishment would send a clear message to the public.
Iziejen, in his statement to the police, admitted defiling the pupil on three occasions in his home.
