Lagos, Nigeria—A former school teacher, Mrs Tolulope Hassan-David, on Monday provided a gripping testimony before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, detailing the moment a 14-year-old student allegedly confessed to being sexually abused by her guardian, a prominent pastor and lawyer.
The defendant, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, is currently facing trial before Justice Hakeem Oshodi over allegations of indecent treatment of a minor.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness, Hassan-David, a teacher with nearly two decades of experience, recounted her time at Onike Girls Junior High School during the 2013/2014 academic session.
She explained that she first met the defendant during a school ‘Open Day,’ where he requested private lessons for the girl to improve her reading skills.
However, during one of these private sessions, the teacher said she noticed a troubling shift in the teenager's demeanour.
“I became worried because the girl appeared distracted and withdrawn. When I asked what was wrong, she disclosed that her guardian was sleeping with her. I was shocked,” Hassan-David told the court.”
The witness further stated that when she contacted the girl's mother, the mother claimed to already be aware of the situation and was in the process of removing her daughter from the defendant's home.
The court also heard from the fourth prosecution witness, ASP Agada Sylvester. The investigator revealed that the case was formally reported in 2023 following a petition alleging defilement.
Sylvester noted that while the defendant admitted the girl lived in his home to assist with chores and attend school, he vehemently denied any sexual relationship.
However, the investigator testified that the defendant’s wife confirmed receiving a call from the teacher regarding the allegations and participated in a meeting to discuss the claims at the time.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Gbenga Ojo, ASP Sylvester admitted that the police did not visit the alleged crime scene.
He explained that by the time the investigation commenced in 2023, the defendant had moved from the Onike Road residence where he had lived in 2014.
The defence team highlighted that the teacher’s testimony was based on hearsay, as she did not personally witness any abuse.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi has adjourned the proceedings until June 8, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
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