The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has praised the court’s decision to sentence Chukwukemeka Ejike, a 50-year-old trader, to 14 years in prison for attempting to defile a nine-year-old girl. DSVA commended the judgement in a statement it posted on its official Twitter handle, @LSdsva, on Tuesday.
“It is heartening to see that justice has been served,” the statement read. “We hope this verdict will serve as a deterrent to others who may be contemplating such heinous acts.”
Ejike had pleaded not guilty to a charge of defilement on arraignment on July 30, 2021, but later admitted guilt under a plea bargain agreement. Oshodi sentenced Ejike following his guilty plea to an amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration. Three prosecution witnesses, including the victim/survivor, her father, and a medical doctor, testified against Ejike ¹.
“However, when the case was called today, the prosecution informed the court that the defendant had opted for a plea bargain and he was re-arraigned on amended information dated Jan. 4,” the judge said. Oshodi added that the evidence presented by the prosecution established an attempt by Ejike to commit sexual assault by penetration against the minor.
“I hereby find the defendant guilty as charged. You have done a terrible thing. I do not understand what you want from a child,” the judge said. Oshodi directed that Ejike’s name be put in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
The Lagos State Government, which prosecuted the case, stated that Ejike attempted to have sexual intercourse with the minor in contravention of Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
