By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Jane Echewodo

LAGOS—Three years after he was accused of defiling an eight-year old girl (names withheld), one Tajudeen Soneye, was yesterday sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour by a Lagos High court.

Justice Atinuke Ipaye, sitting in Ikeja Division of the state High Court, who convicted Soneye, described the crime as incurable.

The convict, married with one wife and five children, was arrested on June 15, 2013 at Iyora Primary School, Badejoko Street, Ketu, for rape.

Soneye, also known as Baba Seriki, pleaded not guilty while he was arraigned on a count-charge of rape by the Lagos State government.

According to the state prosecutor, Mr. Akin George, the convict sent his victim to buy cigarettes for him. On her arrival, the convict forcefully removed her cloth, pushed her on the bed and had sex with her.

He noted that after having sexual intercourse with the victim, Soneye threatened to harm her if she told anyone.

Under investigation, the victim claimed that it was not the first time the convict did such to her.

The prosecution also told the court that the victim did not speak out until when she resumed school and a teacher noticed the way she walked and queried her.

According to him, the school took her to the hospital, where she was confirmed to have been raped, adding that it was the school that raised the alarm, which led to the arrest of the convict.

In her judgment, Justice Ipaye held: “I, hereby sentence you to 10 years imprisonment.”