12-Year Prison Term for Scrap Dealer Who Molested Toddler

Nasiru Usman, a scrap seller, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for sexually assaulting and indecently treating a four-year-old child in his shop.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict on June 2, following Usman’s plea bargain to amended charges including indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and an indecent act.

The judge sentenced Usman to seven years on the first count, three years on the second, and two years on the third, ordering the sentences to run consecutively for a total of 12 years.

Oshodi stated, “Nasiru Usman, you stand before this court for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and indecent acts, contrary to Sections 135, 263, and 134, respectively, of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.”

“These offences were committed against a four-year-old victim on January 6, 2023.

“Initially, you were charged with defilement, an offence which attracts life imprisonment as punishment under the Criminal Law. However, following negotiations between the prosecution and your defence counsel, a plea agreement was reached dated May 22, 2025.

“The plea agreement, which has been properly executed and filed before this court, stipulates that your sentences shall run consecutively for a total period of 12 years’ imprisonment.”

Justice Oshodi said he had given due consideration to several pertinent factors, as the convict’s actions were perpetrated against a vulnerable four-year-old child. He said the psychological trauma the convict had inflicted upon the minor was immeasurable and might have lasting effects throughout her life.

Oshodi said: “I have considered your plea of guilty, which demonstrates some acceptance of responsibility for your actions and has spared the young victim the additional trauma of testifying in court proceedings.

“Your guilty plea also represents a saving of judicial time and resources, and I have also considered the remarks made during sentencing proceedings, wherein you expressed profound regret, stating that you are not happy with yourself and your criminal behaviour.

“Therefore, I find the terms of the plea agreement to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances of this case. Accordingly, you are hereby sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment as per the terms of the plea agreement.

“This sentence shall commence from the date of your remand on January 6, 2023, and you shall be registered as a s3x offender.”

The defendant was charged with defilement but pleaded not guilty when arraigned on January 23, 2024.

Prosecutor Ms. Bukola Okeowo stated that the crime occurred on January 6, 2023, at Ghetto Corner in Lekki, Lagos.

An Investigative Police Officer testified that the accused lured the minor into his shop, sexually assaulted her, and later gave her ₦200.