Software Engineer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping a Minor on Children’s Day

Lagos State Special Offences Court

Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Court sentenced Chukwudi Anyanwu, a 32-year-old software engineer, to life imprisonment for sexually abusing his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter on Children’s Day, 2021. The prosecution successfully proved the defilement, corroborated by the survivor’s medical report and her guardian’s testimony. The judge dismissed the testimonies of two police officers on the prosecution witness list, stating they gave evidence for the defence, indicating their testimonies were tainted.

Justice Oshodi stated that the alibi and extortion claims by the convict were unfounded. The evidence showed that Anyanwu exploited his position of familiarity and authority to lure the survivor into his room and subjected her to sexual abuse. The judge noted that the convict’s actions inflicted deep psychological wounds on the survivor, which might take a lifetime to heal. He also observed that the convict showed a troubling lack of integrity and remorse throughout the proceedings.

The judge further noted that the convict expressed an intention to bribe the police to suppress the case, a blatant disregard for the law and an attempt to pervert justice. He stated that the impact of the convict’s actions on the survivor was significant, robbing her of her innocence, shattering her trust, and leaving her with deep emotional scars.

Justice Oshodi said: “I hope this sentence brings some measure of closure and helps her on the path of healing. I now sentence you, Chukwudi Anyanwu, to the mandatory life sentence under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Supra). This sentence reflects the gravity of your actions and the need to protect vulnerable members of our society from predatory individuals like yourself. During your time in the custodial centre, I hope you reflect on the immense harm you have caused and take steps towards rehabilitation.”

The state counsel, led by Mr Babajide Boye, called three witnesses, the survivor, the survivor’s guardian, and a medical doctor, while the defence called the two police officers as witnesses. The offence was committed on May 27, 2021, on Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos State.