A shocking case of familial abuse has resulted in a 25-year prison sentence for a pastor in Lagos, Nigeria. Ndukwe Ogbu, aged 45, was convicted of sexually abusing his biological daughter when she was just 14 years old.
The Ikeja Special Offences Court heard the harrowing details of the case, which involved multiple instances of abuse. Ogbu lived alone with his daughter after the passing of his wife, while his other children resided in their maternal home.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe delivered the verdict, stating, “The prosecution has proven the three-count charge of defilement, sexual assault, and sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt.” The conviction was supported by the testimonies of the brave young victim, a medical expert, and a social worker.
In a chilling revelation, the judge observed that Ogbu showed no remorse during the proceedings, instead pleading for leniency due to his other children. Justice Abike-Fadipe’s words echo the severity of the crimes:
> “From the evidence before the court, the defendant is found guilty on all three counts.”
Ogbu was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on the first count and 25 years each on the second and third counts, with the sentences to be served concurrently from December 2019.
The trial, which commenced in October 2021, saw the survivor, a social worker, and a medical doctor take the stand, providing crucial evidence. Femi Oyeleke, the social worker, explained that he was alerted to the situation by a schoolteacher who the survivor had confided in. This led to the police becoming involved.
The survivor’s testimony was a powerful account of her father’s betrayal. She recalled the abuse beginning when she was 14 and how Ogbu had threatened her to keep silent. However, her courage prevailed, and she disclosed the abuse to her teacher.
Despite Ogbu’s denials and claims of innocence, the court found him guilty, ensuring that justice was served for the young victim. The case highlights the importance of addressing and punishing such heinous crimes within the family.
