Justice Ramon Oshodi has delivered judgment in the case against Chris McDouglas at the Lagos State Sexual and Special Offences High Court, Ikeja.
For years, the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons’ Network (ACVPN) has closely followed the case, playing a central role in the arrest and pursuit of justice for the minor. Even after the defendant jumped bail, ACVPN’s team tenaciously tracked him to his hideout before alerting police to secure his re-arrest.
The defendant faced a nine-count charge, of which six were struck out.
Three counts were sustained, including defilement under Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Code and rape under Section 260.
During the proceedings, McDouglas, aged 63, addressed the court.
He insisted, “I did not rape the victim. I am a father and a husband. I forcefully came out of my mother’s private part; how then will I forcefully go back through the same private part?”
He pleaded for forgiveness, admitting regret for not divorcing his wife before engaging in sexual activity with the victim, who was 14 years old in 2017 when the incident occurred.
The victim’s statement was also read in court. She recounted how McDouglas sought permission from her mother to take her to a church and an orphanage. According to her testimony, he gave her a drink that made her fall asleep in his car.
“When I woke up, I was in a hotel room. I realised he had already had sex with me while I was unconscious, and I saw blood coming out of my private part,” she said.
She added that the defendant begged her not to tell anyone, warning, “If you do, you will die.”
Reports further revealed that upon returning home, the victim was still weak and dizzy from the drink.
When questioned by her mother, McDouglas claimed the girl had suddenly fallen ill, concealing the abuse.
The judgment proceedings lasted over two hours. Justice Oshodi’s ruling underscores the importance of accountability and the possibility of justice for vulnerable persons.
As the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons’ Network (ACVPN) noted in their report, “Today’s judgment clearly shows that there is hope for the common man to get justice if the right steps are taken with the right organisation.”
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