In a recent ruling, an Akure Magistrates’ Family Court has sentenced a labourer, Peter Jude, to two years in prison with hard labour for sexually assaulting a two-year-old girl. Additionally, the court ordered that Jude receive two days of flogging.
The incident occurred on July 14, 2024, at Dele Ojo Camp in Uso, Owo local government area. Jude, 40, was caught in the act, having already ejaculated on the child's vagina.
Jude pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent sexual assault, attributing his actions to the influence of the devil, and begged the court for forgiveness.
Prosecutor Martins Olowofeso revealed that Jude had been employed by the victim’s father to work on his farm. The crime violated Section 3(1) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021.
Olowofeso explained, “The victim’s mother noticed semen on her baby's vagina when she found Jude on top of her. Jude, who was living with the family, had taken the sleeping child to a room, pulled down his shorts, and attempted to penetrate her but ejaculated in the process."
Following his arrest, Jude was transferred to the Gender-Based Unit of the State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID) for further investigation, leading to his formal charge.
The child was taken to the State Reference Hospital for a medical check-up, which provided a report that was instrumental in Jude's prosecution.
Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. B.A. Alphonso, sentenced Jude, emphasizing the need for a strong deterrent to similar offences. She stated, “Considering the prevalence of such crimes, the court must set an example. The defendant is hereby sentenced to two years with hard labour and will be whipped for two days.”
