Court Jails Man For Life Over Assault Of Six-Month-Old Baby In Lagos, Orders Inclusion In Sex Offenders Register
By Paul Ebi
A Lagos court has handed down a life sentence to a man, Victor Dickson, for the sexual assault of a six-month-old baby, in a judgment that underscores the state’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual violence.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the ruling on Monday, April 13, 2026, convicting Dickson after finding him guilty of defilement.
The court further ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in line with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law.
While delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution successfully proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt. He noted that the circumstantial evidence presented during the trial was “compelling” and left no doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
According to the court, Dickson’s attempts to distance himself from the crime were unconvincing and failed to counter the weight of evidence against him.
The court recounted emotional testimony from the child’s mother, who told proceedings that the convict took the infant while she was outside washing clothes, carried the baby into his room, and committed the act.
Describing the victim as extremely vulnerable, Justice Oshodi condemned the betrayal of trust, stating: “You betrayed the trust reposed in you. The child cried throughout but could not call for help.”
He further described the offence as “animalistic,” stressing the urgent need to protect society and deter similar crimes.
The court ruled that the act violated Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which prescribes life imprisonment for such offences, and accordingly sentenced Dickson to life behind bars.
The judgment has drawn attention to the importance of vigilance within communities and the enforcement of laws aimed at protecting minors from abuse.
