Lagos Court Jails Bricklayer for Life for Raping 8-Year-Old

A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has handed down a life sentence to Azeez Shoderu (alias Chisco), a bricklayer, for raping his neighbor’s eight-year-old daughter in a toilet.

Presiding Judge Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict on Monday, June 16, 2025, after the prosecution successfully proved the charge of defilement beyond reasonable doubt.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi stated that the prosecution had presented compelling and conclusive evidence against the convict, leaving no doubt about his guilt in the horrific crime.

“The evidence before this court is overwhelming and the prosecution has proved the charge of defilement beyond reasonable doubt.”

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi noted significant discrepancies in Shoderu’s account, dismissing his version of events as implausible and lacking credibility.

Evidence presented to the court revealed that the crime took place on July 27, 2022, at 25 Ago-Hausa Street in Ajegunle, where Shoderu – a squatter in the Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA neighborhood – was residing at the time.

While admitting to contact with the minor, the convicted bricklayer offered a questionable explanation, asserting he had merely requested the child bring him water while he was in the toilet.

However, the survivor testified, “I went to urinate at the bathroom when he covered my mouth, placed me on his lap, and had s3xual intercourse with me.”

The convict denied any wrongdoing during police interrogation and maintained a not guilty plea throughout his arraignment on September 29, 2023.

However, the court found the survivor’s testimony credible, supported by both the medical report and the testimonies of the Investigating Police Officer and the attending medical doctor.

Justice Oshodi underscored the legal stance on consent, reinforcing that it must be clear, voluntary, and unambiguous.

“A child who has not attained the age of 18 years is incapable of consenting to s3xual activity,” he said.

“The convict’s actions have inflicted deep psychological wounds on the victim, which may take a lifetime to heal.”

Justice Oshodi ordered that Shoderu’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by O.S. Dada, presented three witnesses and submitted various exhibits to establish the charge against him.

While the defence counsel pleaded for leniency on the grounds that Shoderu was a first-time offender and expressed hope that the sentence would be a deterrent, the prosecution urged the court to weigh the gravity of the offence—highlighting how Shoderu exploited his position and took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.

Dada submitted, “The victim was eight years old, a child who should have been safe in her home environment.”

After hearing the submissions, Justice Oshodi said, “The Investigating Police Officer indicated that this is not the convict’s first offence.”

Consequently, the court pronounced Shoderu guilty of defilement and sentenced him to life imprisonment.