Lagos court sentenced man to life imprisonment over sexual abuse of wife’s six-year-old niece

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced Olumuyiwa Adjoto to life imprisonment for sexually abusing his wife’s six-year-old niece.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution successfully established two of the three charges brought against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

Adjoto had been arraigned by the Lagos State Government on counts bordering on defilement, sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child.

In his ruling, the judge found the defendant guilty of defilement and sexual assault by penetration, but acquitted him of the third charge relating to indecent treatment.

Justice Oshodi described the offences as extremely serious, noting that the harm inflicted on the child could have lasting consequences.

“The evidence before the court clearly shows that the defendant violated the trust placed in him by abusing a minor who was left in his care,” the judge said.

He relied on expert medical testimony presented during the trial, which detailed the severe physical and psychological impact of the abuse on the victim.

According to the medical expert, the child experienced immediate emotional distress, including fear, withdrawal, and behavioural changes, while the long-term effects could include anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.

Following the conviction, the court sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment on each of the two counts, ordering that both sentences run concurrently.

“These sentences reflect society’s strong condemnation of sexual crimes against children,” Justice Oshodi ruled.

The court also ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in compliance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, called four witnesses, including the survivor, her mother, a medical professional, and an investigating police officer.

Adjoto testified in his own defence as the sole defence witness.

At the arraignment, the prosecution told the court that the offences were committed on April 22, 2022, at a location in Mowo, Badagry area of Lagos State, after the defendant’s wife had left the child in his care.

The offences were said to contravene Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.