Lagos Court Hands Life Sentence in Child Sexual Abuse Case

On Monday, the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Olumuyiwa Adjoto to life imprisonment for the sexual abuse of his wife’s six-year-old niece, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to child sexual abuse conviction standards in Lagos State.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven two of the three charges brought against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

Adjoto was charged by the Lagos State Government with:

• Defilement

• Indecent treatment of a child

• Sexual assault by penetration

While the court acquitted him of the charge relating to indecent treatment, Justice Oshodi found him guilty of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

In his ruling, the judge described the offences as extremely grave, stressing that the physical and emotional harm suffered by 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,” Justice Oshodi stated.

The court relied heavily on expert medical testimony presented during the trial. According to the medical expert, the abuse resulted in severe physical injuries and significant psychological trauma.

The expert explained that the child’s immediate reactions included fear, withdrawal, and noticeable behavioral changes. Long-term effects, the court heard, could include anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.

Following the guilty verdict, 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.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered that Adjoto’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in line with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

The prosecution, led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, presented four witnesses during the trial:

• The survivor

• The survivor’s mother

• A medical doctor

• The investigating police officer

Adjoto testified in his own defense and was the sole witness for the defense.

During arraignment, the prosecution told the court that the offences occurred on April 22, 2022, in Mowo, Badagry area of Lagos State, after the child was left in the defendant’s care by his wife. The acts were said to be in violation of Sections 137 and 261 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on child sexual abuse conviction cases and highlights the legal protections available to minors under Lagos State law. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, reporting, and swift legal action in safeguarding children.