Teacher Jailed for Life for Abusing Three-Year-Old in Lagos

Ikeja, Lagos State – A 25-year-old teacher, Chukwunonso Okafor, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ikeja Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for the sexual abuse of a three-year-old child at his workplace. The landmark judgment was delivered on Wednesday, May 29, 2025.

Justice Abiola Soladoye found Okafor guilty on three counts, stating that the prosecution had presented an airtight case beyond a reasonable doubt.

For the first count of sexual assault, involving the insertion of his penis into the victim’s vagina, an offence contrary to Section 261 of the Criminal Law, Chapter 17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015, Justice Soladoye handed down a life sentence.

The second count, defilement, also attracted a life sentence under Section 137 of the same law. A seven-year imprisonment term was given for the third count, under Section 135. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Okafor will serve a continuous life sentence.
The harrowing details of the abuse came to light through the victim’s testimony in court, where she bravely recounted how the convict had been “sucking her breast and penetrating her vagina.”

Justice Soladoye unequivocally condemned Okafor’s actions, stating, “You descended so low by having oral sex with your victim. Your action is barbaric.” The judge further highlighted that the victim’s testimony significantly corroborated that of the first prosecution witness, strengthening the prosecution’s case.

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The horrific offences reportedly took place between July and December 2022 in Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos State, where Okafor was employed as a teacher, exploiting his position of trust.

In delivering the final verdict, Justice Soladoye declared, “The defendant is hereby found guilty of the three count charges of sexual assault of a child and is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”

This judgment serves as a stern warning and reiterates the commitment of the Lagos State judiciary to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse.