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Man sentenced to life imprisonment after impregnating 15-year-old daughter

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Ekpo Lawrence, 42, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison by the Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday for defiling and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter.

Lawrence was sentenced by Justice Abiola Soladoye after she found that the prosecution had proven the elements of the accusation of defilement beyond a reasonable doubt.

The state government had told the court that the convict committed the offence between December 2018 and June 2019 at his home in the Agege area of the state.

The prosecution had told the court that the convict, who was 39 years old when the offence was committed, defiled his 15-year-old daughter by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

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In handing down her judgment, Justice Soladoye held that the evidence given by the prosecution was consistent while that of the defendant was inconsistent and manifestly unreliable, adding that the convict’s denial of the allegations was a calculated attempt to mislead the court.

“The immoral behaviour of having sex with his biological daughter is toxic, absolutely disgraceful, and an abomination contrary to the law of nature. It is morally reprehensible as it is incest,” she said.

“Where is the self-respect of this defendant? How bizarre! Having sex with his daughter obviously took away his ability to make rational decisions. He foolishly tampered with the purity and self-esteem of his child.

“I pray for inner peace for the victim to relieve her of fear and hatred for her father who sexually molested her several times so that she can deal with her pains, trials, and tribulations and go on to live a purpose-driven life.

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“A father should be a trusted person in the life of a child. He was supposed to keep his child safe but betrayed her sexually; he ripped purity off her body and her soul. This is taboo and he must no doubt face the music for his morbid, sordid sexual misconduct.

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“For the above-stated reasons, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment with no option of fine,” the judge held.

Justice Soladoye further directed that the convict’s name should be registered in the Sex Offenders Register as maintained by the Lagos State Government.

During the course of the trial, four witnesses, including the survivor, a medical doctor, a social worker, and a police officer testified for the prosecution while Lawrence testified solely in his defence.

The survivor, who was 17-year-old when she gave her evidence in court, said her father had on numerous occasions defiled her whenever her stepmother travels.

She said the incest came to light when she confided in a social worker in her school about her father’s actions.

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Dr Maria Fadaka, of the Mirabel Center (a Sexual Assault Referral Center), said that after examining the survivor, her findings had revealed evidence of vaginal penetration and early pregnancy.

Lawrence had denied having sexual intercourse with his child claiming he was at work when the defilements allegedly took place.

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Delta pupil dies in tragic school building collapse

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Delta pupil dies in school building collapse

A Primary 2 pupil in Delta State dies in a school building collapse, while three others are injured. The Governor expresses his condolences to the family.

 

Parents of Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, mourn after a school building collapse at Eghereka Primary School, Delta State, leads to his untimely death.

Parents of a Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, are grieving his untimely death following the collapse of a school building at Eghereka Primary School in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

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Also read: Kano building collapse claims two lives, two rescued amid heavy rainfall

 

The tragic incident occurred when a block of six classrooms collapsed under heavy rain, killing Salvation and injuring three other pupils.

The collapsed building, which had no roof and was already dilapidated, had not been in use. Despite the condition of the structure, the disaster struck suddenly. Prompt efforts helped rescue the other affected pupils, but Salvation succumbed to his injuries.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed his condolences to the family through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon.

The Governor described the incident as highly unfortunate, extending his sympathies to the family, school management, and injured pupils.

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Governor Oborevwori also acknowledged the quick response of the Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Lucky Avweromre, who visited the site and provided support to the surviving victims.

He offered prayers for the grieving family and urged the community to stand together during this difficult time, hoping for God’s comfort to ease their sorrow.

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Crime

Amotekun foils five kidnappings, rescues nine in Ondo State

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Amotekun foils kidnappings in Ondo State

Amotekun foils five kidnapping attempts in Ondo State and rescues nine victims, as the security corps intensifies efforts to combat crime in forests.

 

Amotekun operatives thwarted five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in Ondo State, as confirmed by Commander Adetunji Adeleye.

Operatives of Amotekun, the security outfit in Ondo State, successfully prevented five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in the span of one week.

 

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Also read: School attacks: Amotekun heightens security in Osun boundary communities

 

This was disclosed by Adetunji Adeleye, the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, during the parade of 20 suspected criminals arrested for various crimes, including cultism, housebreaking, and motorcycle theft.

Adeleye highlighted the commitment of Amotekun to maintaining security across the state, particularly by actively patrolling forested areas notorious for criminal activities.

He stated that the operatives had thoroughly combed these forest flashpoints, especially in the Elegbeka area, to safeguard residents and commuters.

One of the arrested suspects, Usman Abubakar, revealed details of a ransom collected during a kidnapping and the network of their criminal organisation.

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The Commander reassured the public that Amotekun Rangers would continue to prioritise safety in Ondo State, vowing to intensify operations against kidnappers and other criminals to protect lives and property.

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers, sentences them to 8 months imprisonment

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers

LAGESC convicted 12 commercial sex workers in Lagos, sentencing them to eight months in prison for prostitution and breach of peace offences.

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) secured the conviction of 12 commercial sex workers during a dislodgement operation at Obalende.

They were sentenced to eight months imprisonment for offences related to prostitution and breach of peace. LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), emphasised that the operation aligns with the Lagos State government’s THEMES agenda to ensure a habitable environment.

 

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Also read: Cleaner bags life jail for sexually assaulting baby in church

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, successfully convicted 12 commercial sex workers on Wednesday following a large-scale enforcement operation in Obalende.

The convicted individuals were sentenced to eight months in prison for charges related to prostitution and breach of peace, in accordance with Sections 142(1)(a)(b) and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

During the operation, led by LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the offenders were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adefioye at the Special Offences Court in Oshodi.

Out of the 19 individuals charged, 12 were convicted and sentenced, while the remaining seven pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until December 18 for further hearings.

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Major Cole highlighted that the operation was necessary due to the deteriorating situation in Obalende, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, which aims to keep Lagos habitable for business and free from criminal activities.

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He reiterated that LAGESC would continue its efforts to rid Lagos of unlawful elements, despite challenges and attacks on its officers.

Cole also issued warnings to street traders and hawkers to refrain from displaying goods in prohibited areas such as road verges, lay-bys, and pedestrian walkways, stressing that defaulters will face daily arrests and prosecution.

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