Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced a 61-year-old farmer, Abayomi Abraham to 14 years imprisonment for attempted sexual assault on his 15-year-old biological daughter.
The judge sentenced him after he pleaded guilty to the amendment of the one-count charge of sexual assault by penetration.
The convict was initially charged with four counts of defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure an abortion and indecent treatment of a child.
He was arraigned on February 21st, 2024, and he pleaded not guilty to the offence.
The prosecutor counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, had on Monday informed the court that Abraham had opted for a plea bargain agreement which necessitated the amendment of the charge to attempted sexual assault by penetration.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that he was satisfied that the convict was competent to enter an informed plea and made the guilty plea without being coerced.
According to the judge, the convict admitted that he made the guilty plea voluntarily and was satisfied with the advice of his counsel.
Justice Oshodi said: "The survivor in this case is your biological daughter, who was 15 years old at the time of this offence and as the prosecution stated during sentencing, as her father, you held a position of absolute trust and responsibility towards her."
"You were meant to be her protector, guide, and safe harbour. Instead, you violated that sacred trust in the most despicable manner possible."
The court thereby sentenced Abraham to 14 years imprisonment but held that the sentence should begin from August 31st, 2022, the date he was remanded in custody.
The judge also held that his name should be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State, in furtherance to Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State, 2021.
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