A Lagos State court has sentenced Emmanuel Buchi, a security guard, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a nurse in a school clinic at Greensprings School, Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the ruling on Wednesday, following evidence that Buchi raped the 37-year-old nurse on 27 November 2021. He also received a three-year sentence for assault occasioning harm, to run concurrently.
The judge found that the prosecution had established the charges beyond doubt, describing Buchi as deceitful and unremorseful. Despite his claims that the encounter was consensual, the court noted contradictions in his defence, including false assertions that the victim was his girlfriend.
“You were entrusted to safeguard staff and students, yet you chose to violate your responsibilities in the most egregious manner,” Justice Oshodi said.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Buchi physically assaulted the victim, pressing her hands down, grabbing her legs, and stamping on her with his boots. Medical examinations confirmed bruising and injuries consistent with the assault.
The prosecution, led by Lagos State Lead Counsel Babajide Boye, relied on testimony from three witnesses and corroborating evidence. The victim testified that Buchi returned to the clinic after switching off the lights and sexually assaulted her. Buchi testified as the sole witness for the defence.
Justice Oshodi noted the enduring psychological impact on the victim, describing the attack as “deeply troubling” and emphasising society’s condemnation of such crimes. The convict’s name will now be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
The offences contravene Sections 173 and 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe mandatory life imprisonment for rape.
