Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Child Sexual Abuse in Lagos
A Lagos court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for committing acts of child sexual abuse against his six-year-old niece, underscoring the urgent need to protect children from abuse in domestic settings.
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday convicted Olumuyiwa Adjoto and sentenced him to life imprisonment for two counts of child sexual abuse involving his wife’s six-year-old niece. The court ruled that the prosecution had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who delivered the judgment, described the offences as “grave,” noting that the injuries inflicted on the child could leave lasting physical and psychological scars. The judge emphasized that the child had been entrusted to Adjoto’s care when the abuse occurred.
“The evidence before this court has established that you sexually abused a six-year-old child under your care, causing immense physical and emotional trauma,” Justice Oshodi stated.
Medical experts who testified during the trial explained that the abuse had immediate effects including fear, social withdrawal, difficulty trusting others, and potential challenges in learning. Long-term consequences may include anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
The court sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment for both counts, to run concurrently, and ordered his name to be entered into the Sex Offenders Register in accordance with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses: the survivor, her mother, a medical officer, and an investigative police officer. Adjoto was the sole defence witness.
The offences reportedly occurred on April 22, 2022, when the girl was left in Adjoto’s care while his wife was away. The charges contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
State Counsel Bukola Okeowo described the sentence as a reflection of society’s strong condemnation of acts of child sexual abuse and an important step toward safeguarding children in vulnerable domestic environments.
