Court sentences man who raped 11-year-old girl to life imprisonment

The court's decision to sentence Stephen Francis to life in jail for defiling an 11-year-old girl has been applauded by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

This is said in a statement that was published on its official Twitter account on Thursday and is being followed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the fight against sexual offences and domestic abuse, it was said that the sentence represented a great triumph.

The defilement case, involving the Primary Four student, was brought before Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Lagos State Special Offenses and Domestic Violence Court, according to DSVA.

According to the DSVA, the defendant was found guilty on Wednesday of the crime that was perpetrated on August 12, 2020, on Fagbenro Street in Idi-Araba, Mushin.

“The court found the defendant guilty of the one-count charge of defilement as the prosecution sufficiently established the three essential ingredients of the offence against him.

“The defendant lured the girl into his house with the pretext of running an errand for his wife.

“The mother upon examination discovered sperm from her daughter’s private parts, confirming her account,” it said.

According to the agency, the court mandated that the defendant's name be entered on the state's sexual offence register.

The penalty, according to DSVA, will serve as a reminder to offenders that justice will always be done.

Defilement is prohibited by section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Code from 2015.

The agency reaffirmed the state's zero-tolerance policy and its dedication to supporting victims of sexual assault and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.

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