Former Lagos teacher receives life sentence for assaulting pupil

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced former teacher Nwatu Isaac to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old pupil at El-Bossaa Nursery and Primary School in Epe. Justice Rahman Oshodi also ordered that Isaac’s name be entered in the Sex Offenders Register under the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law. The court found that he had sexual intercourse with the child in a male toilet at the school on March 10, 2022.

The prosecution said Isaac, who had previously taught the girl and later transported pupils on his motorcycle, sent her to the toilet to fetch paper. It alleged that he pushed her inside, locked the door and assaulted her. The child later told her father what had happened.

Her mother testified that she found blood on the girl’s clothing and genital area and that the school uniform was dirty. A medical examination conducted at the Mirabel Centre more than two months later found physical signs that the examining doctor said were consistent with penetration. The judge rejected Isaac’s denial that he entered the school.

Justice Oshodi said his own evidence placed him at the school at the relevant time and did not amount to an alibi. The court also rejected defence arguments concerning the toilet, an alleged recantation by the child and the possibility that another person had assaulted her. Justice Oshodi found the child’s testimony clear, detailed and consistent, and said it was supported by her mother’s evidence, the medical findings, her immediate complaint and evidence placing Isaac at the school.

He concluded that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. At sentencing, the judge said Isaac had betrayed the trust placed in him as a former teacher and noted that the offence occurred on school premises. He also directed the prosecution to take steps under the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law after the victim’s mother reported alleged intimidation by school staff, while making no finding on that complaint.