Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court on Monday sentenced a school bus driver, Tony Akpan, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil.
Akpan was charged with sexual assault, an offence that contravenes sections 137 and 415 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Five witnesses testified against the defendant.
Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Soladoye held that the prosecution had overwhelming evidence which proved the charge of sexual assault against Akpan and his accomplice, Itoro Wilson, the school bus assistant.
She said, “There is overwhelming evidence before the court today. The testimony of the survivor is truthful and boldly narrated.
”The medical doctor’s testimony also corroborated what the victim said.
“The first defendant is hereby found guilty as charged and sentenced to life imprisonment.
“The first defendant should have his name entered in the Sex Offenders’ Register of the Lagos State Government.”
The judge also sentenced the second defendant to two years’ imprisonment for assisting the convict to evade justice.
Soladoye said Wilson ought to have spoken up and not concealed the truth.
The judge also urged the school, Roy Mind Favour Filled School, UNILAG Estate, Magodo, Isheri, Lagos, to recruit responsible staff.
“Parents must get value for the money they pay. Miscreants should not be on the payroll of any responsible school.
“Children are meant to be protected and not be subjected to any assault whatsoever,” she added.
