Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 20-year-old University of Lagos student on Wednesday gave testimony before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, recounting allegations of sexual assault against a senior lecturer, Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, who is standing trial on charges of rape and sexual assault brought by the Lagos State Government.
The witness testified before Justice Oyindamola Ogala as the first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, which prosecutors say relates to an incident that allegedly occurred on the university’s Akoka campus in August 2025.
According to the prosecution, Ojogbo is facing a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault, offences which he has not yet been convicted of, as the court continues hearing evidence from witnesses.
Led in evidence by state counsel A O Azeez, the student told the court that the alleged incident followed prior academic interactions with the defendant, including conversations during examinations and a request to visit his office.
She told the court that after an examination period in August 2025, she encountered the lecturer, who directed her to his office within the campus environment.
In her testimony, she described the sequence of events leading to the allegation, stating that she later reported the matter after leaving the office in distress and informing a fellow student.
She further informed the court that the matter was escalated within the university system, involving departmental lecturers, the head of department, and the institution’s student support and compliance unit before being taken to external agencies.
The court also heard that the case was subsequently reported to relevant state authorities, including agencies responsible for handling domestic and sexual violence complaints, before being referred to law enforcement for investigation.
During proceedings, the witness stated that there were attempts by individuals linked to the defendant to initiate informal discussions after the report had been made to authorities.
The presiding judge, Justice Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the matter until April 27, 2026, for cross-examination of the prosecution witness as the trial continues.
The case comes amid increasing scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations within tertiary institutions in Nigeria, where authorities in recent years have strengthened reporting and prosecution mechanisms for offences involving students and academic staff. Lagos State operates dedicated structures for responding to such complaints, including specialised units within law enforcement and support agencies designed to assist survivors in reporting and accessing medical and psychological care. These systems typically coordinate with hospitals, advocacy organisations and police investigative units to ensure that allegations are properly documented and subjected to due process within the justice system.
Sexual offence cases in Nigeria are generally prosecuted under state criminal laws as well as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition framework where applicable, with courts required to evaluate witness testimony, documentary evidence and investigative findings. Trials involving allegations of this nature are often conducted with sensitivity due to the personal and psychological dimensions involved, while ensuring adherence to constitutional guarantees of fair hearing for the accused. The burden remains on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and defendants are entitled to cross-examine witnesses and present their defence throughout the proceedings.
Universities in Nigeria typically maintain internal disciplinary frameworks that operate alongside criminal justice processes, particularly in cases involving alleged misconduct by academic staff. Such institutions are expected to cooperate with law enforcement while also ensuring that students have access to reporting channels and support systems. In many cases, complaints are first raised within departmental structures before being escalated to higher administrative offices and external agencies when necessary. The process is designed to balance institutional governance with legal accountability, although observers often debate the effectiveness and responsiveness of internal mechanisms in handling sensitive allegations involving power dynamics between staff and students.
During criminal trials in Lagos State High Courts, proceedings typically follow a structured sequence beginning with arraignment, followed by the presentation of prosecution witnesses and subsequent cross-examination by defence counsel. The court is responsible for ensuring that both parties are afforded equal opportunity to present evidence and challenge testimony. Adjournments are commonly granted to allow counsel prepare for cross-examination or to facilitate the attendance of additional witnesses. In this matter, the adjournment to April 27, 2026, signals the continuation of the prosecution’s case, with defence counsel expected to test the credibility and consistency of the witness account during the next sitting.
Public discourse around allegations of sexual misconduct within universities often generates significant attention, particularly where the accused holds a position of authority over students. Such cases tend to raise broader concerns about safeguarding, institutional responsibility and the protection of students within academic environments. Advocacy groups frequently emphasise the importance of encouraging survivors to report incidents without fear of intimidation or retaliation. At the same time, legal experts caution against premature conclusions, stressing that allegations must be thoroughly tested in court to uphold the principles of justice and due process for all parties involved.
Media reporting of ongoing criminal trials in Nigeria is generally guided by the need to balance public interest with respect for judicial processes, particularly in sensitive cases involving allegations of sexual offences. Journalists are expected to rely on verified court proceedings and avoid presenting untested allegations as established facts. Courts themselves often remind parties and observers that matters before them remain sub judice until final judgment is delivered. This ensures that the rights of both complainants and defendants are protected while proceedings remain focused on evidence presented in court. The present case remains at the witness testimony stage, with further hearings expected to clarify disputed facts.
As the trial continues, attention remains on the forthcoming cross-examination phase, where the defence is expected to respond to the allegations and challenge the prosecution’s witness account. The outcome of the case will ultimately depend on the evaluation of evidence by the court, in line with established legal standards. For now, the proceedings underscore the ongoing role of the judiciary in addressing allegations of sexual offences within academic institutions and ensuring that all parties are heard within the framework of the law.
The matter remains before the court pending further proceedings scheduled for the next hearing date.
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