A man, Babatunde Odekunle, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without an option fine for sexually assaulting a 16-year old girl in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of Justice Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, who found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
He was re-arraigned on an amended two-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault. The offences ran contrary to the provisions of Section 135 and 263 of the Criminal Law Cap C.17, Vol.3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The convict was initially arraigned on 19th August, 2019. He pleaded not guilty.
However, sensing that if he undergoes trial with the available evidence against him that he may be sentenced to life imprisonment, he approached the prosecution for a plea bargain.
Earlier in the proceeding, the prosecution called an Investigative Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Yemi Amao, who tendered Exhibit A-C.
The IPO testified that the defendant was brought to the Police station in Ikotun by some Police officers, whom the Divisional Police Officer sent to the Palace of the Onikotun of Ikotun and the victim wore clothes stained with blood.
While delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi said the facts of the case were disturbing.
“As an adult in a position of authority, you exploited the vulnerability of a 16-year-old child and subjected her to sexual abuse. Your actions have undoubtedly caused profound trauma and harm to the victim.”
“I have considered your guilty plea and willingness to take responsibility for your crimes by entering into the plea bargain agreement. However, this does not detract from the gravity of your offences,” the judge held.
He held that the law is clear that a child under the age of 18 cannot consent to sexual activities, and ignorance of a child’s age is no defence.
He therefore, sentenced him according to the terms and ordered that the sentences run for a total term of 10 years, commencing on January 1, 2018.
The Court also ordered that his name should be registered as a sex offender in the Lagos State Criminal Court record as reference in future.