A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has heard testimony from a student alleging sexual assault by a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in a case that has renewed concerns about safety and accountability in Nigerian universities.
The presiding judge, Oyindamola Ogala, is overseeing the trial of Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault brought by the Lagos State Government.
The 20-year-old student, appearing as the first prosecution witness, told the court that the alleged incident occurred on August 22, 2025, in the lecturer’s office on the university’s Akoka campus.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, A.O. Azeez, the witness recounted that the lecturer had earlier asked her to visit his office after an examination.
She stated that after attempting unsuccessfully to meet him on the first day, she later encountered him following another examination the next day, after which they proceeded to his office.
The student described the office as isolated, noting that it had no windows and no administrative staff present.
According to her testimony, two other students briefly entered the office during the encounter but were turned away by the lecturer.
The witness alleged that she was subsequently assaulted in the office.
She told the court that after the incident, the lecturer allegedly promised academic assistance, including supervising her final-year project, and collected her contact details.
The student further testified that she reported the matter shortly after the incident to a lecturer in her department, who involved her uncle and later escalated the complaint to the Head of Department.
However, she alleged that the initial response from the department was dismissive, prompting her family to pursue the matter further through institutional and external channels.
She said the case was reported to SERVICOM within the university, after which she was taken to the medical centre for examination and later referred to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
The case was subsequently reported to the police, including the Gender Unit, for investigation.
The court also heard that efforts were made by individuals connected to the defendant to initiate a private resolution, though the matter is now being prosecuted by the state.
Justice Ogala adjourned proceedings to April 27, 2026, for cross-examination of the witness.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual harassment and abuse of power within higher education institutions, as well as the challenges victims face in seeking justice through institutional channels.
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