Kemisola Oye
JUSTICE Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a man, Babatunde Odekunle to 10 years imprisonment for indecent treatment of a 16-year-old girl.
The judge found him guilty as charged after he was re-arraigned on an amended two-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.
His offence was said to be contrary to the provision of sections 135 and 263 of the Criminal Law Cap C.17, Vol.3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant was initially arraigned on an information dated 19 August 2019 and he pleaded not guilty before he approached the prosecution for a plea bargain.
The prosecution had earlier in the proceeding called Investigative Police Officer (IPO), Woman Inspector Yemi Amao. She tendered Exhibits A-C.
The IPO testified that the prosecutrix was brought to the police station at Ikotun by some police officers the DPO had sent to the Palace of Onikotun of Ikotun.
According to the IPO, the prosecutrix wore clothes stained with blood. She was sixteen. She explained the outcome of her investigation and her visit to the crime scene, a barber shop.
However, while delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the facts of the case were disturbing. “As an adult in a position of authority, you exploited the vulnerability of a sixteen-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 a plea bargain agreement. However, this does not detract from the gravity of your offences.”
He further held that the law is clear that a child under the age of eighteen cannot consent to sexual activities, and ignorance of a child’s age is no defence.
“The sentence agreed upon in the plea bargain reflects the seriousness of your crimes. Count 1, indecent treatment of a child, carries a term of seven years imprisonment. Count 2, sexual assault, carries a term of three years imprisonment.”
He, therefore, sentenced him according to the terms and ordered that the sentences shall run consecutively for a total term of 10 years imprisonment, commencing on 1st January 2018. He also ordered that his name shall be registered as a sex offender.
He noted that: “this sentence sends a clear message that sexual exploitation of children will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences under the law. I hope that during your incarceration, you will reflect deeply on your actions and the harm you have caused and that you will commit to rehabilitation.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media