Lagos Court Jails Pastor Ndukwe Ogbu 25 Years for Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Daughter

Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark judgment, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of a Lagos State Sexual Offences Court has sentenced a 45-year-old pastor, Ndukwe Ogbu, to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting his 14-year-old biological daughter. The sentencing followed a rigorous trial in which the Lagos State government proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court delivered its judgment on Monday, convicting Ogbu on a three-count charge involving assault, assault by penetration, and other related sexual offences. His conviction highlights the state’s zero tolerance for sexual violence, particularly within family settings.

Court Finds Ogbu Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Justice Abike-Fadipe ruled that the prosecution presented compelling evidence against the accused, which included testimonies from the victim, a social worker, and a medical doctor. She noted that the victim’s account was consistent and corroborated by medical findings and investigative reports. The judge also emphasized that the psychological trauma the girl suffered was evident and had left lasting emotional scars.

The court dismissed Ogbu’s plea for leniency. He had asked the court to temper justice with mercy, citing his responsibility for other children. However, the judge said that his lack of remorse and the gravity of his crimes left no room for sympathy.

“The defendant showed no remorse whatsoever,” Justice Abike-Fadipe stated. “His actions were vile, calculated, and a gross abuse of his position as a father and a religious leader. This sentence is to serve both as punishment and deterrent.”

Victim Testimony, Witness Accounts Crucial to Conviction

Ogbu was first arraigned in February 2021, with the trial commencing in October of the same year. During the proceedings, the prosecution built a strong case against him by calling multiple witnesses.

One of the key witnesses, Femi Oyeleke, a social worker, testified that he was the first to report the case to the police. He said he had observed concerning signs of abuse and immediately raised the alarm. The victim, who had been under the care of the Lagos State Government for three years prior to testifying, bravely recounted the abuse and identified Ogbu as her father and abuser.

A medical doctor who examined the victim also provided expert testimony, corroborating the allegations with clinical findings that aligned with the victim’s account of abuse.

Ondo Police Arrest Three Over Death Of Sex Worker During Brothel Dispute

Ogbu’s Defence Dismissed by the Court

During his defence, Ogbu denied all allegations, claiming he was not present at the time of the incidents. He further attempted to discredit the victim’s testimony by alleging that she suffered from memory issues and was being manipulated.

However, Justice Abike-Fadipe rejected these claims as baseless and unfounded. She stated that the defence failed to introduce any credible evidence to counter the detailed testimonies provided by the victim and supporting witnesses.

“The accused tried to suggest that the victim’s memory was compromised, yet her testimony was coherent, consistent, and emotionally anchored in lived experience,” the judge observed. “The court cannot be swayed by mere denials unsupported by evidence.”

Sentencing Details and Legal Implications

The court handed Ogbu a three-year sentence on the first count and 25 years each on the second and third counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Importantly, Justice Abike-Fadipe ordered that the sentence be backdated to December 2019, the date when Ogbu was first remanded in custody. This effectively means that his time already spent in detention will count towards his prison term.

Legal experts have praised the judgment as a victory for child protection and justice. “This ruling reinforces the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors and holding even family members accountable,” said a legal rights advocate in Lagos.

Public Reaction and Broader Impact

News of the conviction has sparked widespread reactions across the state and beyond. Many human rights advocates and women’s rights organizations hailed the ruling as a bold step in addressing the menace of sexual abuse within the home—an issue that often goes unreported due to family ties or fear of stigma.

“This judgment is a strong message to abusers who hide behind the veil of religion and family. It also gives hope to victims that justice is possible,” said Funmi Adewale, director of a Lagos-based NGO that supports survivors of abuse.

For the victim, the sentencing offers a chance to finally begin the healing process, after years of pain and trauma. The Lagos State Government has confirmed that she will continue to receive psychological and educational support under its child protection program.

Justice Served, But Vigilance Needed

The sentencing of Pastor Ndukwe Ogbu represents a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against child sexual abuse. While justice has been served in this case, advocates stress the need for continued vigilance, better reporting mechanisms, and stronger support systems for survivors.

As the public digests this disturbing yet necessary judgment, the case also serves as a reminder that safeguarding children must remain a collective and unrelenting effort—from the home to the church, from schools to the justice system.