Justice Abiola Soladoye of a Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced Oto Edet, a 44-year-old resident of Lagos, to life imprisonment for defiling his nine-year-old neighbour.

The court found Edet guilty of the offence, ruling that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of defilement beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Soladoye described Edet’s actions as reprehensible and criticised his conduct as a neighbour.

The judge noted that the survivor’s testimony was clear and consistent, providing compelling evidence against the defendant. She praised the prosecution for presenting a solid case, including three witnesses and four exhibits supporting the charge.

Justice Soladoye also ordered that Edet’s name be entered into the Lagos State sexual offences register. She called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant in protecting their children and urged stakeholders in the justice sector to continue advocating for zero tolerance for sexual abuse.

The offence occurred between 2020 and 2021 at Solomon Toriola Street, Abaranje, Lagos, and contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.