A Lagos man identified as Olumuyiwa Adjoto has been sentenced to double life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s 6-year-old niece after he was convicted of two of the three-count charge of defilement, sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child filed against him by the police.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced Adjoto after he held that the prosecution had successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt, two counts out of the three-count charge against Adjoto.
Adjoto was charged by the Lagos State Government with a three-count charge of defilement, sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child.
During the trial, the State Counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo called four witnesses; the survivor, her mother, a medical officer and an investigative Police Officer, while the convict testified as a sole witness for defence.
Okeowo told the court that the convict committed the offences on April 22, 2022 at about 1.00 p.m. opposite Erubami House, along Primary School Road, Mowo, Badagry, Lagos State.
The prosecution submitted that the convict defiled the child who was put in his care after the wife went to the market.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
Oshodi, while delivering the judgment, found Adjoto guilty of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.
He, however, discharged the convict of the third count, which was indecent treatment of a child.
The court held that the offences committed by the convict were grave ones as injuries inflicted upon the child might never fully heal.
According to Oshodi, the evidence before the court established that the defendant defiled and sexually assaulted a six-year-old child who was entrusted to his care.
“You penetrated her vagina and anus, causing her immense physical and psychological trauma.
“Dr Olatunji testified about the devastating impact of your actions on this child and she explained that the immediate effects include fear, difficulty trusting people, social withdrawal, possible urinary incontinence, and declining academic performance.
“The delayed psychological impacts include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulty maintaining relationships, including marital relationships,” he said.
He consequently sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment on defilement and also life imprisonment for sexual assault by penetration.
The judge held that the sentences should run concurrently
“Having been convicted of the charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on count one and two.
“These sentences reflect society’s condemnation of such heinous acts against children.
“Furthermore, in accordance with sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, I order that your name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register maintained by the state government,” he said.
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