A man is to spend the next ten years in jail for rubbing the anus of a minor and caressing her breasts with his hands.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, on Wednesday, slammed the sentence one Bamidele Folorunsho for indecent treatment and sexual assault of the minor, following the suspect’s conviction on two amended counts preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
Folorunsho was, in February 2018, initially charged with the offence of defilement of a 12-year-old girl, and arraigned in October 2021.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
However, at Wednesday’s hearing, O. Aluko, the state’s prosecution counsel, informed the court of Folorunsho decision to opt for a plea bargain.
He was then re-arraigned on two amended counts, bordering on indecent treatment by rubbing the victim’s anus with his hands and sexual assault by fondling her breasts with his hands contrary to Sections 135 and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
Aluko disclosed that both parties had entered a plea and sentence agreement dated December 12, 2024, including a 10 years imprisonment, which was approved by Dr Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Aluko said: “My Lord, the prosecution did not call any witnesses before Folorunsho accepted the plea bargain agreement and he was remanded on March 22, 2018.”
Aluko said the plea bargain required filing an amended charge.
When asked by the judge, the convict confirmed that he made the plea bargain voluntarily and under caution, adding that he was satisfied by the advice of his counsel.
According to M.I Alagbala, the defence counsel: “We apply for a plea bargain for Folorunsho, we beg the court to grant the plea bargain.”
Consequently, the amended charge was read to Folorunsho and he pleaded guilty.
Justice Oshodi then convicted the suspect and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment.
“I have found you guilty based on your plea in the amended information dated December 11, 2024. I have carefully considered the plea bargain agreement and your show of remorse,” the judge said.
“I sentence you to 10 years imprisonment which will commence from March 22, 2018, and your name should be registered as a sex offender.”
