Lagos man jailed 14 years for sexual assault on 14-year-old girl

By Adenike Ayodele

A Lagos man identified as Damilare Adewale has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges bordering on attempted sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl, (name withheld).

Justice Rahman Oshodi of Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted and sentenced Adewale to 14 years imprisonment, following his plea bargain agreement to the amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.

The convicted was arraigned on the charge of defilement in which he had pleaded not guilty to on Nov.29, 2021.

The prosecution, bearing the burden of proof pursuant to section 135(1) of the Evidence Act 2011, adduced evidence through two witnesses, the survivor and her guardian, both of whom were subjected to extensive cross- examination by defence.

The survivor, in her testimony, had told the court she was on her way to a barbing shop when the convict, who lived in her neighbourhood, accosted and dragged her to his room.

The survivor had further told the court that the convict had expressed his desire to take her to his house but when she refused, he forcibly dragged her to his residence, where he pushed her onto his bed, removed her undergarments and defiled her.

The survivor had also testified that she was crying and shouting during the ordeal and observed blood resulting from the convict’s actions.

She had confirmed to the court that she was 14 years of age and that it was her first encounter with the convict.

The prosecution, had, however informed the court on May 27 the convict had opted for plea bargain, which necessitated the amended charge.

Oshodi, while delivering the judgment, said that he was satisfied that the convict was competent to enter an informed plea and made the guilty plea without oppression.

He said: “Damilare Adewale, you have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.

“I must emphasise that you were initially charged with the more serious offence of defilement, which carries the prescribed punishment of life imprisonment under the Criminal Law.

“However, through the plea bargain process, you have pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration under section 262, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

“I have carefully considered your plea for mercy, you told this court that you gained admission to the Open University and learned other useful trades in the Kirikiri Mximum Security Custodial Centre.”

The court thereafter convicted him on the amended charge.

“After serving your sentence, I believe what you have learned will assist your reintegration into society.

“Having considered all the circumstances of this case, including the seriousness of the offence, the impact upon the victim, your guilty plea, and the terms of the plea agreement, I endorse the agreed sentence of 14 years.

“I hereby sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment, commencing on 13 August 2020, the date of your remand in custody,” Oshodi said.

The judge also 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. (NAN)