A mental health counsellor, Dr Rosemary Ogedengbe, on Tuesday told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja that children abused sexually by adults whom they trusted may be too frightened to speak about their experiences.
Ogedengbe, a mental health counsellor at the Ceceyara Child Advocacy Centre, Gbagada, Lagos, stated this while testifying as the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of lawyer and pastor Olawale Akanni, also known as Bashorun, accused of defiling a minor.
Akanni faces an amended three-count charge involving indecent treatment of a child, assault occasioning harm, and defilement before Justice Hakeem Oshodi.
Led in evidence by the lead prosecution counsel, Mrs Olufunmilayo Aluko, Ogedengbe stated she had handled more than 1,000 cases of sexual abuse during her career.
The witness, who has worked at the Ceceyara Child Advocacy Centre for over eight years, told the court she holds a doctorate in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos.
She explained her role involves helping individuals understand and confront psychological difficulties.
According to her, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice invited her to offer expert opinion in the case involving the defendant.
Ogedengbe explained that when a child is allegedly sexually abused by someone in a position of trust, they may develop a fear that prevents disclosure.
“When a child is sexually abused by someone they hold in a position of trust, the child will be afraid to talk.
“There is coercion which brings about fear. One of the impacts of sexual abuse is fear,” she said.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mr Gbenga Ojo, the witness admitted she did not personally examine the alleged survivor during her involvement.
Ojo also told the court that the defence plans to recall the alleged survivor, the first prosecution witness, to testify.
Akanni was earlier re-arraigned on the amended three-count charge and pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution alleges the offences occurred between 2012 and 2014 on Iwaya Road, Onile, Lagos.
It is claimed that Akanni engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl aged between 12 and 14 at the time, by inserting his penis into her vagina.
Further, the prosecution alleged he used a sharp instrument to inflict injuries, leaving permanent scars.
Aluko also contended that the defendant indecently treated the girl by grabbing her breasts, ordering her to remove her clothes, and flogging her.
The offences, according to the prosecution, breach Sections 135, 137, and 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecution stated it was closing its case after the witness’s testimony.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case until 13 January 2027 to allow the defendant to present his defence.
