40-yr-old man wants out of court settlement for raping, impregnating 12-yr-old girl

The counsel representing a suspected 40-year-old rapist identified as Nwanne Nwaora has pleaded with a Lagos State High Court for an out of court settlement after his client allegedly raped and impregnated his neighbours 12-year-old daughter.

In his address to the court, Nwaora’s counsel, Worer Obuagbaka, prayed the court to allow the case settled out of court in the interest of the rape victim, noting that his client has decided to enter into a plea bargain arrangement.

Nworah’s counsel said, “If he is sentenced to life imprisonment, the interest of the newborn child will be in jeopardy. If the case is settled out of court and the defendant is asked to take care of the newborn child as well as the defiled victim (complainant), that is enough punishment.

“It will also be in the interest of the newborn child, who will go through trauma, knowing that her father is languishing in jail. I will like to request an adjournment to enable us to interact with the relations of the victim so that the defendant will be made to take care of the newborn child and the defiled child by an order of this court.”

Read also: Police arrests 58-yr-old father for defiling his 14-yr-old daughter

After listening to his plea bargain, the prosecution counsel, Y. G. Oshoala, insisted that Nwaora must lawfully face the music for his crime.

Oshoala said, “Contrary to the submission of the learned defence counsel, two witnesses, the victim and her mother, are in court and I learnt that they have been to court on seven or more occasions; the victim is presently on school holiday.

“The defendant defiled a 12-year-old child and another child was produced from that act.
“Rather, the defendant should plead guilty and during the allocutus, the defence counsel should bring up the points he is canvassing.

“The defendant cannot have his cake and eat it. He has destroyed the life of another person, who is just starting life. He should take the legal responsibility for his actions. The defendant should plead guilty and face the consequences.

“This is a serious issue and not one that should be taken lightly, because this defendant is unrepentant and has not even shown any remorse.”

The case was however adjourned till January 7, 2019, by the presiding judge, Justice Josephine Oyefeso for definite trial or report of a plea bargain following the submissions of the counsel.

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