A 61-year-old farmer, Abayomi Abraham, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja. The conviction, delivered on Wednesday, stems from his attempted sexual assault on his own 15-year-old daughter.
Abraham’s sentencing followed his guilty plea to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration. Initially, he faced a more extensive four-count charge, which included defilement, sexual assault by penetration, an attempt to procure an abortion, and indecent treatment of a child. He had first appeared in court on February 21, 2024, and at that time, pleaded not guilty.
The court heard on Monday from prosecutor Ms. Bukola Okeowo that Abraham had opted for a plea bargain agreement. This agreement led to the charge being amended to attempted sexual assault by penetration, an offense contrary to Section 272 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
Justice Oshodi, in delivering his judgment, affirmed his satisfaction that Abraham was fully capable of entering an informed plea and that his guilty plea was made without any coercion. The judge emphasized that Abraham himself admitted to the voluntary nature of his plea and expressed contentment with his counsel’s advice.
“The convict was aware of the nature of the amended information and the consequences of his plea,” Justice Oshodi stated. He continued, addressing Abraham directly: “Abayomi Abraham, you have pleaded guilty to the offense of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary to Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.”
Justice Oshodi highlighted the egregious nature of the crime, underscoring the profound breach of trust involved. “The survivor in this case is your biological daughter, who was 15 years old at the time of this offense and as the prosecution stated during sentencing, as her father, you held a position of absolute trust and responsibility towards her,” the judge remarked. “You were meant to be her protector, guide, and safe harbor. Instead, you violated that sacred trust in the most despicable manner possible.”
The court also reminded Abraham of the more severe charges he initially faced, including defilement and sexual assault by penetration, both of which carry a potential life imprisonment sentence. “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,” Justice Oshodi explained.
While acknowledging Abraham’s expression of remorse and plea for leniency, and recognizing that his guilty plea spared his daughter the trauma of testifying, Justice Oshodi firmly stated that these factors could not excuse or diminish the gravity of his actions. “Your plea evidences some measure of acceptance of responsibility, yet it cannot remedy the harm you have inflicted upon her,” he concluded.
The court’s sentence of 14 years imprisonment is to commence from August 31, 2022, the date Abraham was first remanded in custody. Additionally, in adherence to Sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State 2021, Abraham’s name will be registered as a sex offender.
