A Lagos court has handed down a 25-year prison sentence to Ndukwe Ogbu, a 45-year-old pastor, for sexually assaulting his teenage daughter over several years.
The Ikeja Special Offences Court, presided over by Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, delivered the verdict on Monday, finding Ogbu guilty on three counts of sexual assault, defilement, and penetration.
“No Remorse” – Judge Condemns Convict’s Plea for Mercy
Despite Ogbu’s appeal for leniency—claiming he had other children to care for—Justice Abike-Fadipe noted his lack of remorse and ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Medical and social worker testimonies aligned with the survivor’s account, detailing how Ogbu began abusing her at age 14, threatening her into silence.
She eventually disclosed the ordeal to a teacher, leading to his arrest.
Concurrent Sentences, Backdated to 2019
The court sentenced Ogbu to:
– 3 years for sexual assault (Count 1)
– 25 years each for defilement and penetration (Counts 2 & 3), to run concurrently from December 2019, when he was first remanded.
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Ogbu, who denied the allegations, claimed his daughter had her own room in their shared apartment.
The prosecution, however, presented three witnesses and evidence contradicting his defense.
A Case That Shook Lagos
The trial, which began in October 2021, highlights persistent issues of sexual violence within trusted circles.
Advocacy groups have praised the survivor’s bravery and the judiciary’s firm stance.
As Ogbu begins his term, the case serves as a stark warning: justice will prevail, even behind closed doors.