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 attempting to sexually assault his 15-year-old biological daughter.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday after Abraham pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration, under a plea bargain agreement. He was originally arraigned on February 21, 2024, facing four charges including defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempted abortion, and indecent treatment of a child. He initially pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, told the court that the defendant later opted for a plea bargain, leading to the amended charge under Section 272 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi confirmed that Abraham willingly and competently entered the guilty plea without coercion. The judge stated, “You have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration, and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.”
The court emphasized the gravity of Abraham’s actions, noting that as the victim’s father, he had a duty of protection which he violated in a “despicable manner.”
While acknowledging Abraham’s remorse and the fact that his plea spared his daughter from testifying, Justice Oshodi maintained that such factors did not excuse the severity of the offence.
The 14-year sentence will run from August 31, 2022, the date Abraham was first remanded. The court also ordered that his name be added to the Lagos State sex offenders register, in line with Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021.
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