Lagos man sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for attempting to rape minor

• The 33-year-old was convicted and sentenced by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday

One Chidi Isaiah has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter.

The 33-year-old was convicted and sentenced by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday.

His conviction followed his re-arraignment on an amended charge by the Lagos state government.

He was said to have committed the crime on January 7, 2020, at No. 27, Logun Logun Area of Igbo Olomu, Owuti, Agric, Ikorodu

The convict was first arraigned on February 15, 2021, on the charge of defilement, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, A.R. Abolade, apprised the court of the defendant’s decision to agree to a plea bargain.

He was re-arraigned on two counts of attempting to sexually assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child.

According to the prosecution, the convict attempted to have sexual intercourse with her, adding that he indecently treated the victim by touching her body indecently.

The charge read, “Chidi Isaiah, on the 7th day of January, 2020, at about 1500 hours at No. 27, Logun Logun Area of Igbo Olomu, Owuti, Agric, Ikorodu in the Ikeja Judicial Division, did attempt to assault one (victim name withheld) (F) aged 11 years by attempting to have sexual intercourse with her.

“Chidi Isaiah, on the 7th day of January, 2020, at about 1500 hours at No. 27, Logun Logun Area of Igbo Olomu, Owuti, Agric, Ikorodu in the Ikeja Judicial Division, did indecently treat one (victim name withheld) (F) aged 11 years by touching her body indecently.”

The offences contravened Sections 262 and 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He pleaded guilty to the amended charge.

Delivering the judgment after the plea had been taken, Justice Abiola Sholadoye declared, “A sentence of 14 years imprisonment for the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration and a sentence of 7 years imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child.

“A total of 21 years imprisonment shall commence on the 22nd of January, 2023, the day of remand. The sentences shall run consecutively.”