Justice Oshodi Sentences Man to Life for Child Sexual Abuse in Lagos.
Justice Oshodi Sentences Man to Life for Child Sexual Abuse in Lagos.
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced Olumuyiwa Adjoto to life imprisonment for sexually abusing his wife’s six-year-old niece. Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the verdict, stated that the prosecution successfully proved two of the three charges against Adjoto beyond a reasonable doubt.
Adjoto faced charges including defilement, sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child. The court found him guilty of defilement and sexual assault by penetration but acquitted him of the charge of indecent treatment. The judge described the offenses as extremely serious, emphasizing the lasting harm inflicted on the young victim.
The court noted that the child’s physical and psychological well-being had been severely affected. Expert medical testimony presented during the trial detailed the immediate emotional distress experienced by the girl, such as fear and withdrawal. Long-term effects could include anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships later in life.
Justice Oshodi ordered that Adjoto serve life imprisonment on both counts, with the sentences running concurrently. The court also mandated that his name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in accordance with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
The trial was led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, who called four witnesses, including the survivor, her mother, a medical professional, and a police officer. Adjoto testified in his defense as the sole witness. The offenses reportedly occurred on April 22, 2022, in Mowo, Badagry, Lagos, after the child was left in his care by his wife.
The case contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, reflecting society’s firm stance against sexual crimes involving children.
