Kemisola Oye
JUSTICE Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a man, Adeola Agbonrin to 21 years imprisonment for manslaughter.
The judge pronounced the sentence following the convict’s plea guilty to the one-count charge brought against him by the state government.
Agbonrin was initially charged with the murder of Farinmade before he opted for a plea bargain agreement. He was first arraigned on 31 January 2013 before the same court.
He was, therefore, re-arraigned on information contained in a charge marked No ID/99C/15, dated 3rd July 2024, wherein he was alleged of the manslaughter of one Matha Farinmade.
The prosecution team led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, said that Agbonrin committed the offence on 7 January 2012 at No. 32, Mojalate Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.
His offence is contrary to Section 225 of the Criminal Law, CH. C. 17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The judge, therefore, found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment.
Prior to the sentence, the prosecution counsel, Dr Matins, informed the court of the plea bargain agreement between the parties.
He said both parties have agreed that the defendant will serve a term of 21 years from the date of remand.
The court, however, noted that the defendant was remanded in prison custody on 9 February 2012 and has been in custody for 12 years and 4 months.
Justice Lawal-Akapo held the guilty plea of the defendant and asked if he was forced to change his plea, and Agbonrin answered that he willingly approached the prosecution himself.
The defendant’s counsel, Mr V. D Amaechi, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the defendant was remorseful.
Justice Lawal-Akapo held that, “Am satisfied that the defendant understands the charge and the facts presented. I am also satisfied that he entered into the plea bargain agreement freely without being influenced and, therefore, accepted his guilty plea. I, therefore, accept his guilty plea.
“You, Adeola Agbonrin is hereby sentenced to twenty-one (21) years imprisonment commencing from 9th February 2012.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media