An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a man, Olumuyiwa Adjoto, to life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s six-year-old niece.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment on Monday, January 19, convicting Adjoto on two of the three counts filed against him over the sexual abuse of the minor. The offences were committed on April 22, 2022, at Erubami House along Primary School Road in Mowo, Badagry area of Lagos State. He was, however, discharged on a third count bordering on indecent treatment of a child.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi described the offences as “grave,” noting that the actions had caused lasting physical and emotional harm to the child. The court also ordered that Adjoto’s name be entered into the Lagos State sex offenders’ register, in line with existing laws.
During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses, including the victim, her mother, a medical doctor, and a police investigator. Their testimonies, the court held, established the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
The conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat child sexual abuse and related offences. It also aligns with legislative moves at the national level, including proposals by the Senate seeking mandatory life imprisonment for defilement of minors.
While welcoming the verdict, child rights advocates have reiterated calls for stronger victim support mechanisms, including access to counselling, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation, to help survivors recover and to further deter such crimes.