The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced Olumuyiwa Adjoto to life imprisonment for sexually abusing his wife’s six-year-old niece.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi stated that the prosecution had proven two of the three charges against Adjoto beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant had been charged with defilement, sexual assault by penetration, and indecent treatment of a child. While the court found him guilty of the first two, he was acquitted of the third.
Justice Oshodi described the offences as extremely serious, emphasizing that the abuse could have long-lasting consequences for the young victim. “The evidence before the court clearly shows that the defendant violated the trust placed in him by abusing a minor who was left in his care,” the judge said.
The court relied heavily on medical expert testimony, which highlighted the severe physical and psychological impact on the child. The expert noted that the victim experienced immediate emotional distress, including fear, withdrawal, and changes in behaviour. The long-term effects could manifest as anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.
Adjoto was sentenced to life imprisonment on both counts, with the sentences running concurrently. Justice Oshodi stressed that these sentences reflect society’s strong condemnation of sexual crimes against children. Additionally, Adjoto’s name will be entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register, in line with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Bukola Okeowo, called four witnesses: the survivor, her mother, a medical professional, and an investigating police officer. Adjoto testified as the sole defence witness.
The offences reportedly occurred on April 22, 2022, in Mowo, Badagry, after the child had been left in Adjoto’s care while his wife was away. The acts violated Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
