Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
A Lagos State court has sentenced former schoolteacher Nwatu Isaac to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of defiling an eight-year-old pupil at El-Bossaa Nursery and Primary School in Epe.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, sitting in Ikeja, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The court also ordered that Isaac’s name be entered in the Sexual Offenders Register maintained by the Lagos State Government, in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
Court Finds Prosecution Proved Case Beyond Reasonable Doubt
According to details released by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and reported by multiple Nigerian media organisations, the court found that Isaac had sexual intercourse with the child on March 10, 2022, inside the male toilet of the school.
The prosecution established that the girl was eight years old at the time of the incident and that Isaac had previously taught her.
The court held that the prosecution had proved the essential elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt and consequently convicted Isaac.
The case was prosecuted under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which provides for life imprisonment for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child.
Child’s Testimony Accepted by Court
The court considered the testimony of the child, who was nine years old when she testified.
According to the reported court proceedings, she identified Isaac, whom she knew as “Master Isaac”, and told the court that he took her into the school toilet before sexually assaulting her.
The judge found her account credible and consistent.
The prosecution also presented evidence from the child’s mother, who testified about what she observed after the girl returned home from school.
Medical evidence from the Mirabel Centre was also presented and was reported to have corroborated the evidence of penetration.
Court Rejects Defence Arguments
Isaac denied the allegation during the trial.
The court rejected his claim that he had not gone beyond the school gate on the day of the incident, noting that his own evidence placed him at the school at the relevant time.
The judge also rejected his alibi defence and arguments concerning the physical size of the school toilet.
Reports of the judgment said the court found weaknesses in the defence evidence concerning the number and identity of the toilets, including a survey conducted more than three years after the alleged incident.
The court also rejected an argument that the prosecution had been motivated by tribal sentiment, finding that there was no evidence of previous hostility between Isaac and the child’s family.
Judge Cites Abuse of Trust
During sentencing, Justice Oshodi highlighted the position of trust Isaac occupied.
The judge noted that Isaac had previously been the child’s teacher and that parents in the community had also entrusted children to him for transportation on his motorcycle.
The court held that Isaac had abused that trust in committing the offence.
The sentencing underscores the seriousness with which Lagos courts treat sexual offences against children, particularly where an accused person occupies a position of trust or responsibility around minors.
Court Orders Support for Survivor and Family
Beyond the prison sentence, Justice Oshodi directed the prosecution to take immediate steps under the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law, 2022, to secure whatever protection and support the survivor and her family require.
The order followed a complaint made by the child’s mother during the sentencing proceedings concerning alleged intimidation by some staff members of El-Bossaa Nursery and Primary School.
Importantly, reports of the judgment stated that the judge made no factual finding on that particular allegation. It therefore remains an allegation rather than an established finding of the court.
Why the Case Matters
The case highlights the legal protections available to children in Lagos and the consequences of sexual offences against minors.
It also raises broader concerns about safeguarding children in educational environments and ensuring that adults entrusted with children’s care do not abuse positions of authority.
The court’s additional order for the survivor and her family to receive protection and support also reflects the importance of safeguarding victims beyond the conclusion of a criminal trial.
For families, schools and child-protection agencies, the case reinforces the need for effective safeguarding systems, appropriate reporting mechanisms and support for children who experience abuse.
What Happens Next
Isaac is to serve a life sentence following his conviction, while his name is to be entered in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.
The court has also directed the prosecution to take steps to secure protection and support for the survivor and her family under the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law, 2022.
The case was prosecuted by Inumidun Solarin, assisted by B.E. Okeowo and I.E. Balogun. Anthony O. Agadah represented Isaac, while E.I. Ukpabio appeared on a watching brief for the nominal complainant.
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Sources
- Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency — details of the judgment and court orders, as reported by Nigerian media.
- Punch Newspapers — court judgment and sentencing details.
- Channels Television — report on the conviction and life sentence.
- The Guardian Nigeria — additional reporting on the judgment and applicable law.
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