Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja on Tuesday convicted and sentenced an Arabic teacher, Oladosu Sakiru, to 21 imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his 13-year-old pupil.
Justice Oshodi jailed the convict after he pleaded guilty to the amended two-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child brought against him by the state government.
The prosecution team, led by Ms Bukola Okeowo, informed the court that the convict committed the offence between February and March 2022 on Odusanmi Street, Mushin, Lagos.
The convict had pleaded not guilty when he was initially arraigned on March 17, 2023.
The trial then commenced with the prosecution calling two witnesses (survivor and her father) through whom compelling evidence was tendered against the convict.
However, on September 6, 2024, the prosecution informed the court that the convict had opted for a plea bargain arrangement, necessitating the amended charge.
According to the prosecution, the offences violate Sections 135 and 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi berated the convict for breaching the trust the parents of the survivor had in him for enrolling their children in the Islamic school.
The judge held that the evidence before him deduced a pattern of predatory behaviour as the convict subjected the survivor to inappropriate touching and forced himself on her.
The court further held that when the convict is confronted with his actions, he seeks refuge in the often-repeated phrase, “It was the work of the devil.”
Justice Oshodi stated that religious leaders and teachers, such as the convict, held a sacred place in society.
He said, “When such individuals break the trust placed in them by preying upon children, the court must respond with appropriate severity to reflect society’s condemnation and deter others from committing similar acts.
“As an imam and an Arabic school tea, you occupy a position of significant trust; that trust extended not only to the 13-year-old child, the one you victimised, but also to her parents and the entire community who look to you for spiritual and moral guidance.
“You betrayed this trust in the most deplorable manner,” the judge held.
Justice Oshodi, thereafter, sentenced Sakiru to 14 years in prison on count one and seven years on count two.
He held that the sentences should run consecutively and that the convict’s name should be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
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