A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced David Jackson, a 72-year-old security guard, to life imprisonment for defiling a 7-year-old girl. The sentencing, delivered by Justice Abiola Soladoye on Monday, came after the prosecution successfully proved the charges against Jackson.
Justice Soladoye stated that the prosecution had established the three essential elements of the crime. The survivor, aged seven at the time of the incident, identified Jackson as a gateman from her neighborhood when she testified at the age of eight.
The prosecution, led by Ms. Abimbola Abolade, presented three witnesses, while Jackson testified as the sole defense witness. The incident occurred on May 16, 2022, on Oyedele Close, Ojodu, Berger in Lagos.
Detailing the case, Justice Soladoye recounted, “The survivor’s brother had sent her on an errand. When she greeted Jackson, he dragged her inside his room. She screamed, and he covered her mouth with a handkerchief.”
The judge praised the survivor’s testimony as “clear, consistent, and coherent” under cross-examination. The second prosecution witness, a teacher, noticed the survivor walking unusually and upon inquiry, learned of the assault. The teacher reported the case when the survivor’s parents failed to respond and the girl was taken to the Mirabel Medical Centre in Ikeja, where a medical report was sent to the police.
The survivor’s father’s testimony corroborated the accounts of the other witnesses. He confirmed that Jackson was a known security guard in the area and described being at the hospital with his ill wife during the incident.
Justice Soladoye concluded, “The testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were credible, convincing, compelling, and the prosecution proved the case of defilement against the defendant. The survivor was a minor, the defendant had sexual intercourse with her, and there was no consent as she is a minor.”
Jackson was found guilty under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Additionally, the judge ordered that Jackson’s name be registered in the Lagos State Government’s Sexual Offences Register.
