The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has sentenced Damilare Adewale to 14 years imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault a 14-year-old girl.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the ruling after Adewale pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution successfully discharged the burden of proof in accordance with Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011.

During the trial, the court heard testimonies from the survivor and her guardian, who both served as prosecution witnesses and underwent thorough cross-examination by the defence team.

According to the survivor's testimony, the convict, who lives in the same neighbourhood, had previously invited her to his apartment—an invitation she declined. She recounted that on the day of the incident, while returning from a barbing salon, Adewale accosted her, forcibly took her to his room, and raped her.

"I was crying and shouting and observed blood gushing out of my private part," the survivor stated in her testimony.

Plea Bargain Reduces Original Charge

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi noted that Adewale was initially charged with the more serious offence of defilement, which carries a life imprisonment sentence under the Criminal Law. However, through a plea bargain process, the defendant pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration under Section 262, which carries a minimum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.

"I hereby sentence you to 14 years imprisonment, commencing on August 13, 2020, the date of your remand in custody," Justice Oshodi declared.

Additionally, the judge ordered that the convict's name be registered as a sexual offender under Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State, 2021. This registration will ensure that Adewale's history as a sexual offender remains on public record, potentially protecting other vulnerable individuals in the future.

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