Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexu@l Offences and Domestic V!olence Court, Lagos on Monday, January 19, convicted and sentenced a man identified as Olumuyiwa Adjoto to double life imprisonment for def!ling his wife’s six-year-old niece.
The convict was brought before the court by the Lagos State Government on accusations of deflection, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault by penetration. The survivor, her mother, a medical official, and an investigative police officer were the four witnesses called by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo throughout the trial; the convict was the only defence witness.
Adjoto was released on the third count of indecent treatment of a child, despite the judge finding him guilty of defamation and sexual assault by penetration.
The court characterised the charges as serious in his ruling, pointing out that the child’s injuries might never completely heal.
“The evidence before this court has established that you defiled and sexually assaulted a six-year-old child who was entrusted to your care. You penetrated her vagina and anus, causing her immense physical and psychological trauma,” Oshodi said.
Olatunji’s testimony, which described the serious effects of the abuse on the kid, was cited by the judge. Fear, trouble trusting others, social disengagement, potential urine incontinence, and deteriorating academic performance are among the immediate impacts, according to the medical expert.
The long-term psychological effects, she continued, can include substance misuse, despair, anxiety, and trouble sustaining relationships, including marriages.
The offender was then given a life sentence on each of the two offences by the judge, who also mandated that the sentences be served concurrently. In accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021, the judge also mandated that Adjoto’s name be included to the S#x Offenders Register.
“Having been convicted of defilement and sexual assault by penetration, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one and two. These sentences reflect society’s condemnation of such heinous acts against children” Oshodi held
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