Lagos court sentences man to life for sexually abusing child
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 judgment, held that the prosecution had proven two of the three charges against Adjoto beyond reasonable doubt.
Conviction and sentencing
Adjoto was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on charges of 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 indecent treatment.
Justice Oshodi described the offences as extremely serious, noting the potential long-term impact on the child. “The evidence before the court clearly shows that the defendant violated the trust placed in him by abusing a minor who was left in his care,” the judge said.
The court sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, and ordered his name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
Evidence presented
During the trial, prosecution led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo called four witnesses, including the survivor, her mother, a medical expert, and an investigating police officer. Medical testimony detailed both the immediate and long-term psychological impact of the abuse, including fear, withdrawal, anxiety, and potential difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Adjoto testified in his own defence as the sole witness for the defence.
Background of the case
The offences occurred on April 22, 2022, in Mowo, Badagry area of Lagos State, while the child was left in Adjoto’s care by his wife. The acts contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
