In Ikeja’s Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, a 55-year-old man named Emmanuel Adedigba has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to sexually assault his neighbor’s 14-year-old daughter.
Justice Rahman Oshodi issued the sentence following the defendant’s re-arraignment on a revised charge. Initially charged with defilement, which he pleaded not guilty to, Adedigba was later confronted with an amended charge.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by I.D. Solarin, presented two witnesses. However, during the recent court session, the prosecution disclosed that the defendant had opted for a plea bargain.
The revised charge cited the offense as an attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration, a violation of section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015. The incident reportedly occurred around May 11, 2021, in the Iseri Osun area of Lagos State.
The defense counsel, O.S. Fasule, affirmed that Adedigba comprehended the consequences of the plea bargain he endorsed. Adedigba himself confirmed his signature on the agreement and stated he was not coerced into signing it.
In delivering the verdict, Justice Rahman Oshodi expressed satisfaction with the prosecution’s evidence, establishing the attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration. He also considered the plea bargain terms, stating, “I have considered the plea bargain signed by the defendant and his counsel, O.S. Fasule.”
Consequently, Adedigba was sentenced to 14 years in prison, effective from his remand date of June 15, 2021. Additionally, he was ordered to register in the Sex Offenders Registry and to be detained at the Ikoyi correctional facility.