Nigeria, Oct. 22 -- The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Abodurin Apelogun, to life imprisonment for raping his neighbour's seven-year-old daughter during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The judge, Rahman Oshodi, delivered the judgement on Tuesday after finding Mr Apelogun guilty of one count of defilement.

Mr Apelogun, a graphic designer, was first arraigned on 27 October 2021, and pleaded not guilty.

He was re-arraigned on 29 May, following an amendment to the charge dated 23 April.

The prosecution said the offence occurred on 19 June 2020, at No. 48A, Oil Mill Street, Lagos Island, when Mr Apelogun unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the minor, in violation of Section 137 o...