A Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a security guard, Emmanuel Buchi, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 37-year-old married nurse inside a school clinic in Lagos.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi, followed the successful prosecution of the offences of rape and assault occasioning harm, which the court said were proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Condemns Abuse of Trust

According to reports, the incident occurred on the night of November 27, 2021, at Green Springs School, Awoyaya, where Buchi was employed as a security guard. Instead of safeguarding lives and property, the court found that he abandoned his duty post and unlawfully entered the school clinic, where the nurse was alone on duty.

Justice Oshodi described the convict as a “pathological liar,” noting that his attempts to distort facts and deny responsibility were inconsistent, unreliable, and riddled with falsehoods.

Akahi News gathered that the judge stressed that the sentence of life imprisonment for rape is mandatory under the law and reflects society’s strong condemnation of sexual violence.

Evidence and Medical Findings

The court held that the testimony of the survivor was clear, consistent, and credible, and was corroborated by two other prosecution witnesses. In contrast, the defence put forward by Buchi was described as fabricated and contradicted by his own extra-judicial statement to the police.

Justice Oshodi noted that evidence showed the convict used force and violence during the attack, including pressing the victim’s hands down, grabbing her legs, and stamping on them with his security boots. Medical examination revealed black discolouration on her left eye and bruises on the inner part of her vagina.

The court also found that although the convict admitted in his police statement that the survivor told him, “Leave me now,” he later claimed under cross-examination that he interpreted her refusal as consent — a claim the judge firmly rejected.

No Remorse Shown

The judge further observed that Buchi showed no remorse throughout the trial and continued to insist that the survivor consented to the act. He added that beyond the physical injuries, the victim would carry long-term psychological trauma from the assault.

“You were employed to protect, not to harm,” Justice Oshodi said, adding that the abuse of trust in a place meant for care and safety made the crime particularly disturbing.

Final Ruling

The court consequently sentenced Emmanuel Buchi to life imprisonment for rape and an additional three years’ imprisonment for assault occasioning harm, with both sentences to run concurrently. The judge also ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

Observers say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s firm stance against sexual violence and abuse of authority, particularly in environments where victims should feel safe.

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