In a groundbreaking legal proceeding, Justice Abiola Sholadoye of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced 32-year-old street sweeper Damilola Omojolowo to life imprisonment for the defilement of a 14-year-old girl. The conviction, based on a guilty plea, sheds light on a distressing incident that took place between June and July 2022.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Omojolowo, who had initially pleaded guilty to one count of defilement, was convicted under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. Justice Sholadoye, delivering a stern verdict, emphasized that the minor’s inability to consent to any sexual activity rendered the nature of the crime especially egregious. The judge declared, “Even if she did, it is of no use.”
The sentencing, a mandatory life imprisonment for defilement, was meted out by Justice Sholadoye, who underlined the gravity of the offence and its strict liability nature. The accused, Damilola Omojolowo, is now mandated to have his name registered in the sex offenders’ registry maintained by the Lagos State Government.
Case Background and Prosecution Details
The prosecution, led by counsel A.R. Abolade, outlined that the offence occurred at No. 3 Church Street, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Road, Lagos. The incident came to light on August 6, 2022, when Omojolowo allegedly gave the victim a white tablet, resulting in her subsequent hospitalization due to bleeding. The accused acknowledged having unlawful intercourse with the victim but denied administering any ingestible substance.
Justice Sholadoye, addressing the facts of the case, stressed that the central charge was that of defilement, making the details surrounding the tablet ingestion of lesser importance. The life sentence underscores the court’s commitment to protecting minors from sexual exploitation, sending a strong message to perpetrators and serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
This landmark ruling not only serves justice in this specific case but also highlights the judicial system’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable members of society.