A Lagos court has sentenced a 41-year-old car cleaner, Ezekiel Udoh, to life imprisonment for defiling and impregnating his neighbour’s 12-year-old granddaughter.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court found Udoh guilty of the charges brought against him by the state government.
The court heard how Udoh lured the young girl to his room under the pretence of running errands and took advantage of her vulnerability.

He initially denied the charges, claiming the girl had approached him for money, but later admitted to “bargaining for fun” with the child.
Justice Oshodi condemned Udoh’s actions, stating that he had violated the girl’s innocence and the trust placed in him as an adult.

The judge highlighted the devastating consequences of the crime, including the girl’s unwanted pregnancy.

“A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life,” Justice Oshodi said.

He added that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar crimes against children.

Udoh’s name will be added to the Lagos State’s Sex Offenders Register.