UNILAG Student Testifies Against Lecturer in Alleged Sexual Assault Case

A 20-year-old student of the University of Lagos has told a Lagos State High Court how a lecturer, identified as Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, allegedly assaulted her in his office.

The student gave her testimony on Wednesday before Justice Oyindamola Ogala as the first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial. Ojogbo is being prosecuted by the Lagos State Government on a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel A.O. Azeez, the witness recounted that the events leading to the incident began on August 21, 2025, while she was writing an examination. According to her, the lecturer approached her during the exam and later asked her to visit his office. She told the court she attempted to see him twice after the exam but was unable to meet him.

The witness said the incident occurred the following day, August 22, after she completed another examination at the university’s Akoka campus. She testified that the lecturer signalled her to wait near her faculty before asking her to accompany him to his office. Describing the office, she said it was located underground, with no windows and no secretary present.

She told the court that two female students briefly entered the office but were sent away by the lecturer. She further alleged that after being asked to shut the door, the lecturer overpowered her and sexually assaulted her.

The student said she left the office distressed and immediately reported the incident to a friend. She further told the court that she reported the case to a lecturer in her department, who contacted her uncle, also an academic in the same department. They subsequently approached the Head of Department, who she claimed questioned the lack of evidence and advised caution.

Unsatisfied, the witness said the matter was escalated to the university’s SERVICOM unit, where she was taken to the medical centre for examination and treatment. She added that the case was later reported to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which referred her to the police. According to her, she was initially taken to Bariga Police Station and later to WARIF for further medical examination before the case was transferred to the Gender Unit of the police command for investigation.

The witness also told the court that following the report, there were attempts by the defendant’s family and associates to initiate a settlement meeting, while the defendant has denied the allegations.

Justice Ogala adjourned the case until April 27, 2026, for cross-examination of the witness.