An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, on Wednesday, sentenced a farmer, Abayomi Abraham, 61, to 14 years in jail for attempted sexual assault of his 15-year-old daughter (names withheld).

Delivering judgement, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that Mr Abraham, who pleaded guilty to the amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration, should serve his term at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

Mr Abraham was initially arraigned on February 21, 2024, on four counts of defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure an abortion, and indecent treatment of a child.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr Oshodi said that he was satisfied that the convict was competent to enter an informed plea and made the guilty plea without oppression.

He said, “The defendant was aware of the nature of the amended information and the consequences of his plea. Abayomi Abraham, you have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary to section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.

“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 reminded the convict that he was initially charged with more serious offences, including defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure abortion and indecent treatment of a child.

“The first two charges are punishable by life imprisonment. However, through the plea bargain process, you have pleaded guilty to this lesser charge, and I am bound to sentence you according to the agreed terms. Whilst I acknowledge your expression of remorse and your plea for leniency and recognise that your guilty plea has spared your daughter the ordeal of giving evidence and reliving her trauma in open court, these factors cannot excuse or mitigate the gravity of your conduct. Your plea evidence some measure of acceptance of responsibility, yet it cannot remedy the harm you have inflicted upon her,” Mr Oshodi said.

The court thereafter sentenced the convict to 14 years of imprisonment but held that the sentences should begin from August 31, 2022, the date he was remanded in custody.

The judge also held that the convict should be registered as a sex offender in furtherance to  Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State 2021.

Earlier on May 26, the state counsel, Bukola Okeowo, had informed the court that Mr Abraham opted for a plea bargain agreement, which necessitated the amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.

Ms Okeowo said that the offence contravened Section 272 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015. 

(NAN)