Court Sentences Lagos Farmer To 14 Years Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting His 15-Year-Old Daughter

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced 61-year-old farmer Abayomi Abraham to 14 years imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his 15-year-old biological daughter.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, after Abraham pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration under Section 272 of Lagos Criminal Law (2015).

Initially arraigned on February 21, 2024, Abraham had faced four charges including: defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure an abortion and indecent treatment of a child.

Prosecutor Ms. Bukola Okeowo informed the court on Monday that the defendant had opted for a plea bargain agreement, leading to the amended single charge.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi concluded that the convict was fully competent to make an informed plea and had voluntarily entered a guilty plea without any coercion.

The judge also confirmed that the convict acknowledged making the plea freely and was content with the guidance provided by his legal representative.

“The convict was aware of the nature of the amended information and the consequences of his plea.

“Abayomi Abraham, you have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempt to commit s3xual assault by penetration contrary to Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.

“The survivor in this case is your biological daughter, who was 15 years old at the time of this offence and as the prosecution stated during sentencing, as her father, you held a position of absolute trust and responsibility towards her.

“You were meant to be her protector, guide, and safe harbour. Instead, you violated that sacred trust in the most despicable manner possible.”

The court also reminded the convict that he was initially charged with more serious offences, including defilement, sexual assault by penetration, attempt to procure abortion and indecent treatment of a child.

“The first two charges are punishable by life imprisonment. However, through the plea bargain process, you have pleaded guilty to this lesser charge, and I am bound to sentence you according to the agreed terms.

“Whilst I acknowledge your expression of remorse and your plea for leniency, and recognise that your guilty plea has spared your daughter the ordeal of giving evidence and reliving her trauma in open court, these factors cannot excuse or mitigate the gravity of your conduct.

“Your plea evidences some measure of acceptance of responsibility, yet it cannot remedy the harm you have inflicted upon her,” Oshodi held.

As a result, the court handed the convict a 14-year prison sentence, with the term to commence from August 31, 2022, the date he was placed in custody.

Additionally, the judge directed that the convict’s name be added to the sex offenders registry in compliance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State 2021.