LAGOS COURT SENTENCES TEACHER TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced former school teacher Nwatu Isaac to life imprisonment for defiling an eight-year-old pupil in Epe.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment on September 29, 2026, after finding that the prosecution had established the case beyond reasonable doubt. The court also ordered that Isaac’s name be entered in the state’s Sex Offenders Register.

The case concerned an incident that occurred at El-Bossaa Nursery and Primary School in Epe on March 10, 2022. The court found the testimony of the child, who was nine when she testified, credible and consistent.

Justice Oshodi rejected Isaac’s denial and his defence of alibi, noting that evidence presented during the trial placed him at the school when the incident occurred.

The court also considered supporting evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimony from the child’s mother and medical evidence.

During sentencing, the judge said Isaac had abused the trust placed in him as a teacher and by members of the community.

The court further directed the prosecution to take steps under the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law to provide the necessary protection and support for the survivor and her family.

Isaac was prosecuted under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which provides for life imprisonment for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child.