Rita Odafe
A 24-year-old commercial driver, Abdul Hudu, has been given a life sentence by Justice Rahman Oshodi at a Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl over a period of three days.
Justice Oshodi found Hudu guilty beyond doubt of abduction and defilement, sentencing him to two years for abduction and life imprisonment for defilement.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi expressed the distressing nature of the case where Hudu heartlessly stole the young girl away from her family for three harrowing days.
“Her parents suffered greatly during this time, with the father unable to eat and the mother in constant tears worrying about their missing child. The emotional trauma you inflicted on this innocent child and her family is appalling. Your repeated actions of defilement against a 10-year-old girl are abhorrent,” the judge stated.
The judge emphasized the severity of child abduction and defilement, asserting that such offenses warrant severe punishment to deter others and safeguard children. Despite being a first-time offender, Hudu’s lack of remorse and denial of his actions worsened his sentencing.
“You will serve two years for abduction and a life sentence for defilement. These sentences will be concurrent, to be carried out at a maximum-security facility designated by the Nigerian Correctional Service,” affirmed Justice Oshodi.
Reflecting on the convict’s actions, Justice Oshodi expressed hope for redemption during his time in custody.
During the trial, the state presented three witnesses including the survivor, her father, and a nurse from the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), while Hudu testified as the sole defense witness.
Evidence showed that the convict assaulted the girl multiple times over three days before dropping her near her home. The survivor recounted the events to her father, leading to the convict’s arrest after a bounty was placed on him.
Justice was served as the perpetrator of this heinous crime faced the consequences of his actions, bringing a sense of justice to the victim and her family.
