By Felix Kuyinu
A man identified in the court as Chidi Isaiah has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for an attempt to sexually assault his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter at Ikorodu, Lagos.
The 33-year-old accused heard the rulling read to him on Tuesday at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja.
Justice Abiola Sholadoye delivered the judgement on an amended charge following lthe defendant’s initial charge of defilement during his first arrangement on February 15, 2021 which he pleaded not guilty to.
At the re-arraingment on Tuesday, The prosecution counsel, Akinwunmi Abolade, informed the court that the defendant had agreed to a plea bargain.
Isaiah was re-arraigned on two counts of attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of the child.
Abolade said that the convict attempted to sexually assault the victim by attempting to have sexual intercourse with her. He proceeded to state that he indecently treated the victim by touching her body indecently.
The charge read, “Chidi Isaiah, on the 7th day of January, 2020, at about 1500 hours at No. 27, Logun Logun Area of Igbo Olomu, Owuti, Agric, Ikorodu in the Ikeja Judicial Division, did attempt to assault one (victim name withheld) (F) aged 11 years by attempting to have sexual intercourse with her.
“Chidi Isaiah, on the 7th day of January, 2020, at about 1500 hours at No. 27, Logun Logun Area of Igbo Olomu, Owuti, Agric, Ikorodu in the Ikeja Judicial Division, did indecently treat one (victim name withheld) (F) aged 11 years by touching her body indecently.”
The offences contravened Sections 262 and 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Justice Sholadoye declared, “A sentence of 14 years imprisonment for the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration and a sentence of 7 years imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child.
“A total of 21 years imprisonment shall commence on the 22nd of January, 2023, the day of remand. The sentences shall run consecutively.”
