Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced head teacher Benjamin Ogba to life imprisonment on Tuesday for defiling two seven-year-old girls. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt, with sufficient evidence of defilement.
In her judgment, Justice Soladoye dismissed the testimonies of the defense as false, labeling Ogba a “serial paedophile” and describing his defense as a “pack of lies.”
“The convict and his witnesses were not truthful or credible. Their testimonies crumbled like a pack of cards,” she said. “This head teacher, who should be a moral guide for students, stooped so low as to defile underage girls. His behavior is shameful and disgraceful. He must be locked away.”
The judge commended the two young survivors for their bravery in speaking up against their abuser, emphasizing the importance of reporting sexual abuse rather than remaining silent. She urged parents to continue reporting such cases to the appropriate authorities and stressed the need for ongoing education and awareness on sexual abuse.
“Education and awareness of this sexual menace must be priorities for all stakeholders in the justice system to protect the rights of children,” she added.
Ogba was found guilty on two counts of defilement and sentenced to life imprisonment for each count, to be served concurrently. His name will also be entered into Lagos State’s Sex Offenses Register.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mr. Olusola Soneye, called three witnesses, while the defense presented four. The court heard that Ogba committed the offences in April and May 2019 at Shalom Private School, Oke-Ira Road, Ebutte Metta, Lagos. One of the victims informed her mother, leading to a police report and the eventual prosecution. The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2015.
