Ikeja child abuse conviction as Lagos court sentences man to double life imprisonment for defiling a minor entrusted to his care

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday delivered a landmark judgement, sentencing Olumuyiwa Adjoto to double life imprisonment for sexually abusing his wife’s six year old niece.

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The ruling marks a significant Ikeja Child Abuse Conviction and underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against crimes involving minors.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, who presided over the case, held that the prosecution successfully proved two of the three charges against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

Adjoto was found guilty of defilement and sexual assault by penetration but was discharged on the count of indecent treatment of a child.

In his judgement, the court described the offences as grave and deeply troubling, stressing that the harm caused to the child could have lasting consequences.

Justice Oshodi noted that the survivor had been entrusted to the convict’s care, making the abuse a profound betrayal of trust.

Medical evidence presented during the trial detailed the severe physical and psychological impact of the abuse on the child.

The expert testimony highlighted immediate effects such as fear, social withdrawal and emotional distress, as well as potential long term consequences including anxiety, depression and difficulty forming relationships later in life.

Consequently, the court sentenced Adjoto to life imprisonment on each of the two counts, ordering that both sentences run concurrently. The judge said the punishment reflected society’s strong condemnation of crimes committed against children.

Justice Oshodi also directed that Adjoto’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register in line with provisions of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, called four witnesses, including the survivor, her mother, a medical practitioner and an investigating police officer. Adjoto testified in his defence as the sole defence witness.

The prosecution told the court that the offences occurred on April 22, 2022, in the Badagry area of Lagos, after the child was left in the defendant’s care.

The offences were said to contravene Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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The Ikeja Child Abuse Conviction has been widely described as a strong reminder of the legal consequences awaiting perpetrators of sexual violence against minors and a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to protecting children.