Lagos Businessman Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Defiling And Impregnating In-law

A 38-year-old businessman, Ofure Rey Siakpere has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for defiling and impregnating his 14-year-old in law.

The presiding judge, Justice Abiola Soladoye found the accused guilty on a count of defilement contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The judge said that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was guilty of the offence of defilement.

During the trial, the survivor and a medical doctor, Dr Aniekan Makanjuola from Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) testified on behalf of the prosecution.

The victim revealed that the accused carried out his malicious act on her and every time she refused he would beat her up and force himself on her.

She said that the abuse led to her pregnancy. During the time of her testimony she had delivered a baby.

The judge advised parents to stop sending their children as helps to relatives and advised that parents should birth children they can take care of.

She said: “The defendant maltreated the victim (his wife’s niece) by defiling her. The conduct of this so called in-law is hurtful and demeaning. Where is the defendant’s humanity and moral compass?

“This case is a reflection of sexual lawlessness that occurs within the family circle.

“The defendant must be duly sanctioned in the hope that this will serve as a deterrent to others to not tow the line of sexual misconduct.

“The defendant Ofure Siakpere, is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment with no option of fine.

“His name shall also be registered in the Sex Offenders Register as maintained by the Lagos State Government.”