School Principal Receives Life Sentence for S€xual Offenses Against Minors.
An Ikeja court specializing in sexual offences and domestic violence has sentenced Benjamin Ogba, a headteacher, to life imprisonment for the defilement of two seven-year-old girls. Justice Abiola Soladoye determined that the prosecution had convincingly established the case against the defendant.
Justice Soladoye criticized the testimonies provided by the defence witnesses, deeming them unreliable and filled with falsehoods. She characterized Ogba as a serial paedophile, asserting that his statements were entirely fabricated.
The judge remarked, “The defendant and his defence witnesses lacked credibility and honesty in their accounts. Their testimonies crumbled like a house of cards. This serial offender, who holds a position of trust as a headteacher, has betrayed that trust by committing such heinous acts against young girls. It is a disgrace! This irresponsible educator, who should be imparting moral values, has instead engaged in reprehensible behavior and deserves to be imprisoned.”
Justice Soladoye commended the two young survivors for their bravery in testifying against their perpetrator, emphasizing the importance of reporting any form of sexual abuse rather than allowing it to be ignored.
She urged parents to remain vigilant in reporting incidents of sexual abuse to the relevant authorities. “Ongoing education and awareness regarding the issue of sexual violence must be prioritized by all stakeholders involved in the justice system to advocate for the rights of children. The defendant, having been convicted on two counts of defilement, is sentenced to life imprisonment for each count, to be served concurrently, and his name will be added to the sex offender registry maintained by Lagos State,” she stated.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mr. Olusola Soneye, presented three witnesses, while the defence called four witnesses. The prosecution argued that the offences occurred at Shalom Private School on Oke-Ira Road between April and May 10, 2019.
