Lagos Teacher Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling 9-Year-Old Pupil
Lagos Teacher Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling 9-Year-Old Pupil
In a landmark judgment that highlights the urgent need for strict background checks in schools, a former music teacher, Anthony Okeh, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a nine-year-old pupil of Lachez O International School in Agege, Lagos.
Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the ruling on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, describing the 35-year-old defendant as a “pathological liar” and a “soulless man without any iota of shame.”
Okeh, who also served as a school counsellor, was found guilty of having unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor—an offence proven beyond reasonable doubt. The case, which originated from a police report made by the survivor’s mother, stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 6, 2022.
During the trial, State Counsel Abimbola Abolade called two witnesses: the survivor and the investigating officer. The defense, in contrast, presented four witnesses in a failed bid to exonerate the accused.
Justice Soladoye did not hold back in her remarks:
> “The defendant, by having unlawful sexual intercourse with his pupil, was everything a teacher should not be… a soulless man without any iota of shame.”
The court further ordered that Okeh’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register as a deterrent to others and a move toward institutional accountability.
In response, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) released a statement on Thursday urging residents to speak out and report all forms of abuse. The agency encouraged the public to use its toll-free helpline: 08000-333-333 for reporting domestic and sexual violence.
Justice Soladoye concluded by stressing the critical importance of character vetting during the hiring process in educational institutions to protect minors and uphold the integrity of the teaching profession.
Salahdeen HI is a seasoned e-learning, education, and ICT professional with years of experience driving innovation in the education sector. He is the founder of Edunaija, one of Nigeria’s leading education blogs, where he shares insights, resources, and updates to support students and educators alike. Beyond his work in education technology, Salahdeen is also a passionate content creator and blogger, using digital platforms to inform, empower, and inspire. His professional journey includes notable roles such as working in the Lagos State Governor’s Office, focusing on Systems Support and Computer Education across Education Districts. Through Edunaija and his digital content, Salahdeen is committed to leveraging technology to transform education in Nigeria.