“It was the devil’s handiwork” – Ondo man arraigned for sexual abusing 12-year-old daughter

A 60-year-old man, Tola Lebi, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old daughter in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The suspect was arrested by the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) following reports of repeated abuse at his residence between July 7 and July 10, 2025.

Prosecuting counsel, O.F. Akeredolu, told the court that the offence contravenes Section 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State.

Lebi, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded guilty and requested leniency.

In a plea for leniency, Lebi explained that the victim had come to play with his daughter and expressed remorse, claiming he didn’t understand what had driven him to commit the act.

“I lost my only wife in 2016 and have not remarried since. The girl was my daughter’s friend, and I was under some kind of spell. Please have mercy on me; it was the devil’s handiwork,” he stated.

The court ordered that he be remanded in custody while adjourning the case until August 1 for sentencing.