A 59-year-old artisan named Eze Chukwuma was given a double life sentence on Monday by the Lagos State Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja for defiling his two daughters for nine years.
Chukwuma was charged with two charges of defilement that were borderline, according to Justice Abiola Soladoye, who delivered the verdict.
The judge declared that the victims’ statements supported those of the prosecution witnesses.
Furthermore, according to Soladoye, the convict’s admission that he knew nothing about his two daughters during cross-examination was key evidence that the evidence was credible and well-documented.
She stated that it was absurd for the defendant to have an incestuous relationship with his two daughters after the passing of his wife in 2008.
“The survivors testified before this court that they had been having sex with their biological father after their mother passed away following childbirth.
“At the time, the oldest was nine years old. When the kids were returned to their village and their kinmen were informed of their father’s actions, nothing was done.
When they got back to Lagos, the second child reported to the school after her older sister left because she couldn’t take the abuse any longer.
According to Justice Soladoye, the school invited the Lagos State Ministry of Education and social workers, which resulted in the arrest of the criminal and the transfer of the survivors to an orphanage.
“The defendant acknowledged his actions and expressed regret. This is also contained in his statement, which was acknowledged and designated Exhibit A. He is a dishonorable father who deserves a life sentence in prison for his actions.
“The defendant is found guilty as charged and hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two charges,” the judge declared.
The convict’s name was also mandated to be included into Lagos State’s Sexual Offenses Register by the judge.
She commended the survivors and their school administration for speaking out and informing the appropriate parties.
While the defendant testified during the trial as the only witness, Lagos State counsel Mrs. Olufunke Adegoke introduced five witnesses.