Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced 61-year-old farmer Abayomi Abraham to 14 years imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his 15-year-old biological daughter.

The sentence was handed down after Abraham pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration, following his decision to enter a plea bargain with prosecutors.

Abraham was initially arraigned on February 21, 2024, facing four serious counts including defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempted procurement of abortion, and indecent treatment of a child. He had originally pleaded not guilty to these charges.

However, the prosecution team led by Ms. Bukola Okeowo informed the court on Monday that the defendant had opted for a plea bargain. Consequently, the charges were amended in accordance with Section 272 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Court's Ruling

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi stated that the court was satisfied that Abraham understood the nature and consequences of his plea and had entered it voluntarily with the benefit of legal counsel.

"The convict was aware of the nature of the amended information and the consequences of his plea," Justice Oshodi noted in his ruling.

"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 judge ruled.

The court ordered that Abraham's 14-year sentence would run from August 31, 2022, the date he was first remanded in custody.

Sex Offenders Register

In addition to the prison term, Justice Oshodi ordered that Abraham's name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register. This action is in compliance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State, 2021.

The Sex Offenders Register is a database that records information about individuals convicted of sexual offenses, aimed at protecting the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from sexual predators.

This case highlights the Lagos State judiciary's commitment to addressing sexual violence, particularly against minors, and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences for their actions.