An Arabic school teacher, Oladosu Sakiru, was sentenced to 21 years in prison yesterday for attempting to assault a 13-year-old pupil sexually.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the sentence after Sakiru pleaded guilty to amended charges of attempted sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child.
These offences contradict Sections 135 and 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecution, led by Ms Bukola Okeowo, presented evidence that the crimes occurred between February and March 2022 on Odusanmi Street, Mushin, Lagos.
Sakiru initially pleaded not guilty when arraigned on March 17, 2023, but later opted for a plea bargain on September 6, 2024, resulting in the amended charges.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi strongly condemned Sakiru’s actions, highlighting the breach of trust he committed towards the survivor, her parents, and the entire community.
The judge stressed that the evidence revealed a pattern of predatory behaviour, including inappropriate touching and forced sexual contact. He noted that Sakiru consistently attributed his actions to “the work of the devil” when confronted.
Justice Oshodi underscored the significant trust placed in religious leaders and teachers like Sakiru and the severe consequences that must follow when this trust is betrayed by exploiting children. He underscored the need for a strong sentence to reflect societal condemnation and deter others from committing similar crimes.
The court sentenced Sakiru to 14 years imprisonment on the first count and seven years on the second count, to be served consecutively.
The convict’s name was also ordered to be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
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During the proceedings, the defence counsel, Mr Nelson Onyejaka, pleaded for leniency, citing Sakiru as a first-time offender with two wives to support. However, the prosecution urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence.
Two witnesses, the survivor and her father, testified for the prosecution, detailing the events of the incident.
In another case, Justice Oshodi remanded Shuaibu Olufowobi in Kirikiri Correctional Facility after he was arraigned on five counts of conspiracy, rape, sexual assault by penetration, sexual harassment, and assault.
Olufowobi pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him by the Lagos State government. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 6, for the commencement of trial.
Prior to the arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, informed the court that the defendant, along with others still at large, allegedly committed the offences on August 15, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m. in the Ibeju-Lekki Trade Zone, Lagos.
She further told the court that the defendant, together with one Franklin Immana (also at large), conspired to sexually abuse the woman. According to her, “The defendant stood by and watched Immana have unlawful sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent.”
The prosecution further stated that the defendant harassed the alleged survivor by fondling her breasts and stripping her naked without her consent.
Their offences contravened the provisions of Sections 211, 260, 261, 264, and 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
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