In a landmark ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Francis Onwuzulike, a middle-aged man, to nine years and six months imprisonment for the horrific s3xual abuse of his neighbour’s 13-year-old son. The case, which has sent shockwaves across Lagos, exposes the dark reality of child abuse lurking within communities. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

How It Happened: The Victim’s Harrowing Ordeal

The survivor, now older, bravely testified in court, revealing how Onwuzulike manipulated and assaulted him multiple times when he was just 13. According to the boy:

• The convict would send him on errands, then lock him inside his apartment to carry out the abuse.

• He threatened to kill him if he ever told anyone.

• The trauma left the boy with severe health issues, including chronic constipation.

From Denial to Plea Bargain: How Justice Was Served

Initially, Onwuzulike pleaded not guilty when first arraigned in 2018, forcing the survivor to relive his trauma in court. However, after years of legal battles, the convict changed his plea, opting for a plea bargain to avoid a harsher sentence.

Originally charged with s3xual assault by penetration (punishable by life imprisonment), the charges were reduced to:

1. Indecent treatment of a child – 7 years

2. S3xual assault – 3 years

3. Indecent acts – 2 years

Justice Oshodi ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, totaling 9 years and 6 months, backdated to September 2018 when Onwuzulike was first remanded.

Public Outrage: Is 9 Years Enough for Such a Crime?

While the conviction is a win for justice, many are questioning:
✔ Why was the charge downgraded from life imprisonment to lesser offences?
✔ Does the sentence match the severity of the crime, given the victim’s age and lasting trauma?
✔ Will this deter other predators, or encourage plea bargains to escape harsh penalties?

What This Means for Lagos’ Fight Against S3xual Violence

This case highlights:
🔹 The importance of specialized courts like the Ikeja S3xual Offences Court in speeding up justice.
🔹 The bravery of survivors who come forward despite threats and stigma.
🔹 The need for stricter sentencing in child abuse cases to protect vulnerable minors.

Final Word: Justice Served, But Is It Enough?

While Onwuzulike’s conviction brings some closure, it also raises tough questions about Nigeria’s legal system. Should plea bargains be allowed in child s3xual abuse cases? Should predators face maximum penalties without compromise?

What do YOU think? Drop your comments below!

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