Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced a 61-year-old farmer, Abayomi Abraham to 14 years in prison for the attempted sexual assault of his 15-year-old daughter.
Justice Oshodi gave the verdict after Abraham pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration brought against him by the state government.
Before the convict opted for a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, he had pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure an abortion and indecent treatment of a child.
The state prosecutor, Ms Bukola Okeowo had informed the court that the convict had opted for a plea bargain, which led to the amended charge.
Okeowo had also told the court that the offence was contrary to Section 272 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi expressed satisfaction with Abraham’s decision to enter an informed plea without coercion.
The judge held, “The defendant was aware of the nature of the amended information and the consequences of his plea.”
“You have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempted sexual assault by penetration, contrary to Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.
“The survivor in this case is your biological daughter, who was 15 years old at the time of this offence. As her father, you held a position of absolute trust and responsibility towards her. Instead of being her protector and guide, you violated that sacred trust in the most despicable manner,” he held.
The judge further reminded Abraham that he was initially charged with more serious offences, including defilement and sexual assault by penetration, both of which carry potential life sentences.
He stated, “Through a plea bargain, you have accepted a lesser charge of attempted sexual assault.”
While acknowledging his remorse and plea for leniency, Justice Oshodi emphasised that these factors could not lessen the severity of his actions.
The judge held, “Your guilty plea has spared your daughter the ordeal of giving evidence and reliving her trauma in open court. However, this cannot remedy the harm you have inflicted upon her.”
The court, therefore, sentenced the convict to 14 years in prison, starting on August 31, 2022, the date he was remanded in custody.
The judge also ordered that the convict be registered as a sex offender under Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State 2021.
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