An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced a man, Niyi Oyerogbe, to 14-year imprisonment for attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl.
Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Oyerogbe to 14 years’ imprisonment following his plea bargain agreement to the sole amended charge of attempted sexual assault.
The convict was initially arraigned on Dec. 2, 2021 on the charge of defilement but he later opted for a plea bargain after the prosecution had called two witnesses.
The witnesses were Dr. Alagbe Oyedeji’s (PW1) and Insp Adaobi Iwerebor’s (PW2), who gave compelling evidence that significantly implicated the convict.
Documents were tendered and admitted as exhibits A-E3.
The court held that Oyedeji’s medical examination of the 12-year-old prosecutrix, revealed physical evidence consistent with recent forceful vaginal penetration.
Oshodi, in his judgment, held that the court was satisfied that the convict fully understood the nature and gravity of the criminal allegation against him.
According to him, the essential elements of an attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration have been established.
Oshodi said: “The defendant’s guilty plea further justifies his conviction for the lesser offence delineated in the amended information.
“I find the defendant guilty and convict him under section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
“I have carefully considered the facts of this case, the evidence presented and the terms of the plea and sentence agreement entered into by both parties.
“You assaulted a 12-year-old child sexually but have pleaded guilty to an attempt to commit the offence.”
The judge added that the gravity of the convict’s offence could not be overstated.
According to him, the medical evidence presented in the case reveals physical injuries, consistent with forceful penetration.
Oshodi said: “Highlighting the violent nature of your actions, your initial admission to having sexual intercourse with the victim, albeit under the misguided claim that she misrepresented her age, further underscores your culpability.
“This court must protect the most vulnerable members of our society, especially children, from sexual predators.
“Your actions have not only violated the bodily integrity of a child but have also likely inflicted long lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
“The maximum sentence prescribed under section 262 of the Criminal Law for this offence is 14 years imprisonment and this reflects the legislature’s view of the seriousness of this crime.”
The court thereafter sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment and ordered that the prison term be calculated from Feb. 27, 2018, the date he was remanded.
Oshodi also added that the name of the convict be registered in the sexual offences register as maintained by Lagos State. (NAN)
