A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a man, Olumuyiwa Adjoto, to double life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s six-year-old niece. The conviction followed a full trial in which the prosecution proved that Adjoto sexually abused the child while she was left in his care.
The judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court. The court found Adjoto guilty on two counts of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. He was, however, discharged on a third count of indecent treatment of a child due to lack of sufficient evidence to support that charge.
Adjoto was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a three-count charge bordering on defilement, sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child. The offences are serious crimes under the Criminal Law of Lagos State and attract severe punishment, especially when the victim is a minor.
According to the prosecution, the offences occurred on April 22, 2022, at about 1:00 p.m. The incident took place around Erubami House, along Primary School Road, Mowo area of Badagry, Lagos State. On that day, the six-year-old girl was reportedly left in Adjoto’s care when his wife, who is the child’s aunt, went to the market.
The prosecution told the court that Adjoto took advantage of the child’s age and trust and sexually abused her. The matter later came to light, leading to a police investigation and his eventual arrest and prosecution.
During the trial, the State Counsel, Ms. Bukola Okeowo, called four witnesses to prove the case against the defendant. These included the child who survived the abuse, her mother, a medical doctor who examined her, and the investigating police officer who handled the case. Each witness gave evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
The young survivor, who testified with necessary protective measures due to her age, gave an account of what happened. Her testimony was supported by medical findings and other evidence presented before the court. The child’s mother also testified, explaining how the incident affected her daughter physically and emotionally.
A medical officer, Dr. Olatunji, testified on the medical examination carried out on the child. He told the court that the child showed signs consistent with sexual abuse. According to his testimony, the abuse had caused both physical injuries and serious emotional trauma to the child.
The investigating police officer also gave evidence, explaining how the case was reported, the steps taken during the investigation, and how Adjoto was arrested and charged to court.
Adjoto, on his part, testified as the only witness for the defence. He denied committing the offences and urged the court to dismiss the charges against him. However, after reviewing all the evidence and submissions from both sides, the court rejected his defence.
In delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had proved the offences of defilement and sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law. He noted that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was clear, consistent, and supported by medical findings.
The judge described the offences as grave and disturbing, especially because the victim was a six-year-old child who was left in the care of a family member. He said the law must respond firmly to such acts to protect children and discourage others from committing similar crimes.
“You penetrated her vagina and anus, causing immense physical and psychological trauma,” Justice Oshodi said while addressing the convict during sentencing.
The judge also referred to the testimony of the medical expert, who explained the lasting effects of the abuse on the child. According to the court, the child now suffers from fear, difficulty trusting people, social withdrawal, and a decline in academic performance. The medical expert also warned of possible long-term effects such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships later in life.
Justice Oshodi stressed that crimes of this nature leave deep scars on victims, especially children, and can affect them for the rest of their lives. He said the court has a duty to send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in society.
Adjoto was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. The judge ordered that the sentences should run concurrently, meaning he will serve them at the same time.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that Adjoto’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register. This order was made in line with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of 2021. The register is meant to keep records of convicted sex offenders and help protect the public, especially children and other vulnerable persons.
Justice Oshodi said the punishment reflects society’s strong condemnation of sexual offences against children. He added that the sentence is also meant to serve as a warning to others who may be tempted to commit similar crimes.
Cases of child sexual abuse have remained a major concern in Lagos State and across Nigeria. In recent years, the Lagos State Government has taken steps to address the problem through special courts, stricter laws, and public awareness campaigns. The establishment of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja is part of these efforts to ensure speedy trial and justice for victims.
Child rights groups and legal experts have continued to call on parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the safety of children, especially when they are left in the care of others. They also encourage victims and their families to report abuse promptly so that offenders can be brought to justice.
The conviction and sentencing of Olumuyiwa Adjoto is expected to reassure the public of the commitment of the Lagos State judiciary to protect children and punish offenders, while also highlighting the serious consequences of sexual violence against minors.