A 30-year-old hair stylist, Rasaq Akinyemi, has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Lagos, for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
Akinyemi pleaded guilty to an amended two-count charge of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, as brought by the Lagos State government.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Oshodi emphasised the gravity of the offence, noting the significant harm caused to the survivor, who had trusted Akinyemi as a family member. The judge acknowledged the convict’s expression of remorse and efforts at rehabilitation, including his involvement in the Muslim community and his pursuit of personal development while in custody.
“You have demonstrated remorse and a commitment to reform. However, the severity of the offence and the breach of trust cannot be overlooked,” Justice Oshodi stated.
The court sentenced Akinyemi to seven years imprisonment for the first count and two years for the second count to run consecutively. The sentence, totalling nine years, was backdated to June 26, 2020, when the convict was first remanded.
Also, the court ordered that Akinyemi’s name be entered into the Lagos State sexual offences register. The convict was initially arraigned on November 27, 2021, on charges of defilement and indecent treatment of a child, to which he had pleaded not guilty. However, during the trial, he entered into a plea bargain with the prosecution.
The offence was committed on June 25, 2020, at No. 13 Shiaba Street, Agege, Lagos. Akinyemi was found to have indecently treated the survivor by removing her clothes and looking at her private parts. His actions violated Sections 135 and 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Prosecuting counsel, Ms Olufunmilayo Aluko, presented two witnesses, including a medical officer and an Investigative Police Officer, during the trial. The convict’s confessional statement was admitted without objection from the defence. (Guardian)