Court sentences man to life imprisonment for defiling, infecting wife’s niece with HIV
Story from Hamzat IBRAHIM
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has commended the justice system for sentencing a man, Richard Saviour, to life imprisonment for defiling and infecting his wife’s 14-year-old niece with HIV.
The agency expressed its approval of the conviction and sentencing in a statement posted on its verified X handle.
The verdict was delivered by Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
Saviour was found guilty of defiling his wife’s niece and infecting her with HIV. The judge also ordered that his name be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register maintained by Lagos State.
Justice Ogala acknowledged that the victim’s testimony was corroborated by the Investigating Police Officer and a Social Worker from the state’s Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare, solidifying the case against the convict.
The judge described the abuse suffered by the young girl as “evil,” recounting how she endured both mental and physical abuse at the hands of the defendant and his wife for years. Despite reaching out for help, she was betrayed by those who were meant to support her.
Having reviewed all evidence, Justice Ogala concluded that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of defilement against the defendant. She noted that Saviour attempted to distance himself from the allegations but ultimately failed to do so.
During the trial, it was revealed that the victim tested positive for HIV after being examined at the Mirabel Centre. She was subsequently transferred to Mary’s Home Orphanage, where she received support and care from the NGO Positive Action for Treatment Access.
In light of the conviction, the DSVA commended the court for ensuring justice was served. The agency restated its commitment to assisting survivors of sexual offences and emphasized the state’s zero tolerance policy towards such crimes. It encouraged residents to break the culture of silence by reporting cases of domestic or sexual violence to their toll-free helpline.
This landmark ruling sends a clear message that perpetrators of heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions, providing a sense of justice and protection for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.
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She said, “The testimony before the court depicts the ‘evil’ perpetrated on this young girl and how she was abused both mentally and physically by the defendant and his wife for years.
“Revealing how she indeed ‘cried out’ for help and was betrayed by those who were supposed to help and protect her.
“Having carefully considered the entirety of facts before the court, it finds that in this instance, the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the one count information the defendant stands faced with,” she said.
