Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday 28 October 2026 sentenced Idris Ashimiyu to life imprisonment for the defilement of an 11-year-old girl.

The court convicted Ashimiyu on a single count brought by the Lagos State Government under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, which provides for life imprisonment for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child. Ashimiyu had pleaded not guilty at arraignment.

Also read:Gbenga Abiola pledges welfare support for PWDs in Agege

Prosecution counsel A.A. Adeniyi called one witness, the survivor. She told the court she was 11 years old at the time of the incident and 13 when she gave evidence.

She explained that she knew Ashimiyu as a man who ran errands and washed cars within the residential compound.

In her judgement Justice Soladoye stated she had carefully considered the testimonies and other evidence, including the age of the survivor, the consistency of her account and the question of consent. “I find the testimony of the survivor credible and coherent.

The prosecution has established that she was a child at the time of the incident and that she did not consent to the sexual act,” the judge said. “I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. I therefore find Ashimiyu guilty as charged.”

Ashimiyu did not give evidence in his own defence. A defence witness told the court he had not been present during the alleged incident and had only heard from a neighbour that Ashimiyu denied the allegation.

In addition to the life sentence the court ordered that Ashimiyu’s name be entered in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021.

The specialised court forms part of the state’s wider framework for handling sexual and domestic violence cases with dedicated procedures and firm penalties designed to protect children.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency later confirmed the outcome, describing the decision as justice served and urging continued reporting of such offences.

Also read:Gbenga Abiola pledges welfare support for PWDs in Agege

The ruling reflects the consistent application of the maximum penalty available under Lagos law when the essential elements of the offence are established.