Former Lagos Teacher Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling Eight-Year-Old Pupil

A former teacher in Lagos State has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling an eight-year-old pupil under his care.

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted John Osifo after finding that the prosecution had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Rahman Oshodi also ordered that Osifo’s name be entered in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

The court heard that the offence occurred between May 2020 and June 2021 at locations in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos, including the child’s private school. Osifo also served as the girl’s home lesson teacher during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The prosecution called three witnesses, including the survivor, her mother and a medical doctor, while the defence presented eight witnesses during the trial. The judge said the evidence presented established that Osifo had exploited the child’s vulnerability and breached the position of trust attached to his role as a teacher.

The case was prosecuted under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The judgment highlights the legal consequences facing individuals convicted of sexual offences against children and the additional responsibility placed on teachers and other adults entrusted with their care.