Yesterday, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja delivered a verdict that resulted in the conviction and sentencing of Dennis Okubiat to 20 years in prison.
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Okubiat was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old church member over a period of three months, which tragically led to the victim experiencing urinary incontinence.
The conviction was based on a thorough review of the victim’s evidence, which was corroborated by a medical report.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, presiding over the case, concluded that the prosecuting counsel, Babatunde Sunmonu, had successfully proven the one-count charge of child defilement against Okubiat beyond any reasonable doubt.
Sunmonu informed the court that the offense took place on September 6, 2021, at approximately 10 am, in Tomoron Village, Lagos Island.
This act of rape was in direct violation of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
During the trial, the victim testified that she had gone for evangelism and decided to visit Okubiat, who had been absent from church for some time.
The victim explained that her church pastor had instructed members to check on those who had been missing from church services.
However, during her visit, Okubiat allegedly offered her a meal of garri and groundnut, after which she fell asleep.
Upon waking up, she discovered a white substance in her private area and confronted Okubiat, who threatened her with harm if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Okubiat, in his defense, claimed that the victim had come to his house because her mother worked at a hotel and had abandoned her and her siblings.
He asserted that he had been providing food for the victim and her sister whenever they were hungry.
Additionally, he stated that he had known the victim’s family since they moved into the community.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Ijelu emphasized that Okubiat did not deny or challenge the victim’s testimony.
The judge acknowledged that the victim was a 12-year-old child and sentenced Okubiat to 20 years in prison for his heinous crime.
This verdict serves as a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victim and sending a strong message that such acts of child defilement will not be tolerated in Lagos State.
