A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has handed down a double life imprisonment sentence to a man found guilty of sexually assaulting his wife's six-year-old niece.
Conviction and Sentencing
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the judgement on Monday, January 19. The convict, Olumuyiwa Adjoto, was found guilty on two counts of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. He was, however, discharged on a third count of indecent treatment of a child.
The judge sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment on each of the two counts, ordering that the sentences run concurrently. Furthermore, Justice Oshodi directed that the convict's name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register as mandated by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The prosecution, led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, proved that Adjoto committed the offences on April 22, 2022, around 1:00 pm. The crime occurred at a location opposite Erubami House along Primary School Road in Mowo, Badagry, Lagos.
The court heard that the assault happened after Adjoto's wife left home for the market, entrusting the young girl to his care. The prosecutor stated that the man sexually assaulted the child through both her vagina and anus, actions that contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Impact on the Child and Judicial Condemnation
In his judgement, Justice Oshodi described the offences as grave, emphasizing that the physical and psychological injuries inflicted on the child might never fully heal. He referenced the testimony of a medical expert, Dr. Olatunji, who outlined the severe consequences of the abuse.
The immediate effects on the child included:
- Intense fear and difficulty trusting people
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Possible urinary incontinence
- A significant decline in academic performance
The long-term psychological consequences could involve:
- Chronic depression and anxiety disorders
- Risk of substance abuse
- Severe difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, including future marital relationships
The judge firmly stated that the life sentences reflect society's utter condemnation of such despicable acts against vulnerable children. The successful prosecution was based on testimonies from four witnesses presented by the state, including the survivor, her mother, a medical officer, and an investigative police officer, while the convict testified as the sole defence witness.
