CRIME
Man Jailed 9 years for Sexually Assaulting 13-year-old neighbor’s son
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday sentenced a man, Francis Onwuzulike, to nine years six months imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbor’s son, a 13-year-old boy, (names withheld).
Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted and sentenced Onwuzulike, following his plea bargain agreement to the amended three-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and indecent acts.
The convict was charged with sexual assault by penetration in which he had pleaded not guilty but a plea bargain was later reached by the parties.
The Prosecutor, Ms Bukola Okeowo, bearing the burden of proof pursuant to Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act 2011, called one 13-year-old boy as witness, who was cross- examined by the Defence Counsel, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku.
The victim had testified that in July 2018, when he was 13 years of age, the convict, who was his neighbour at No. 13 Adesanya Street, Ketu, Mile 12, Lagos committed acts of sexual abuse against him on three separate occasions.
The boy had narrated that the convict would send him on errands, and upon his return, would lock his door before perpetrating acts of sexual violence.
The boy said that he would be positioned face-down on the convict’s bed, whereupon the convict would mount on him and insert his penis into his anus.
The boy said that the convict had threatened to kill him should he disclosed what happened to anyone.
The boy said the abuse came to light through the intervention of the convict’s younger brother, who witnessed one of the incidents and subsequently informed the boy’s mother.
During cross-examination, the victim revealed that he suffered from constipation and other health complications due to the abuse.
Oshodi, while delivering the judgment held that he was satisfied that the convict knew the nature of the offences he pleaded guilty to.
He said: “You stand before this court for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and indecent acts, contrary to sections 135, 263, and 134, respectively.
“Initially, you were charged with sexual assault by penetration, an offence which attracts life imprisonment as punishment. However, following negotiations between the prosecution and your counsel, a plea agreement was reached dated 27 May 2025.
“Under the current charges to which you have pleaded guilty and been convicted, the prescribed punishments are as follows: count one, indecent treatment of a child: seven years imprisonment; count two, sexual assault: three years imprisonment; and count three, indecent acts: two years’ imprisonment.
“I have carefully considered your plea of guilty, which demonstrates a degree of acceptance of responsibility. I have also considered the remarks you made during the sentencing proceedings, in which you expressed profound regret and made a compassionate plea for mercy.”
The court held that the convict had tendered a comprehensive bundle of certificates obtained whilst in custody in support of his plea.
According to the judge, the certificates, 10 in number, demonstrate remarkable dedication to self-improvement and rehabilitation during the convict’s period of incarceration.
“The demonstrated commitment to personal transformation and the tangible evidence of rehabilitation justify a reduction of 20 per cent from the agreed sentence of 12 years, amounting to a decrease of two years and four months.
Accordingly, you are hereby sentenced to nine years and six months’ imprisonment, which sentence shall commence from the date of your remand on Sept. 12, 2018.
“Furthermore, under sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State 2021, you shall be registered as a sex offender,” Oshodi said. (NAN)
A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the student’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road, Sapele.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement in Warri on Sunday.
According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.
“The suspect subsequently contacted him (the father), demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid,” the statement added.
The police said the girl was abandoned along Oton Road after the ransom was paid and later reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.
Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The school principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.
The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.
The police spokesman added that arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
The commissioner assured that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice”.
He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to “exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children”, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.
From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Oficer, Enugu State command, Daniel Ndukwe said that the CP has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.
Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia.
He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.
During the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
CP Giwa has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action. He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ajaokuta Local Government Area after a male officer allegedly shot his female colleague, before turning gun to shoot himself.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), on Sunday, said the Command was investigating the fatal shooting at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, on October 23, in which two serving police officers died.
According to the statement, “the incident was reported at 11:04 p.
m., and the Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta, led a team of police officcers to the scene.“Preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi and thereafter shot himself. Both officers were taken to separate medical facilities, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the mortuary of ASCO Hospital.
“An AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene as exhibits.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation. The circumstances and motive remain subjects of investigation, and the Command will not speculate on matters yet to be established.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, extends his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers over this tragic incident. The Command will provide verified updates as appropriate” the statement said.
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