A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced a man, Bamidele Folorunsho, to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Folorunsho was convicted for indecent treatment and sexual assault of a minor. He was accused of rubbing the girl’s buttocks and fondling with her breasts.
Justice of the court, Rahman Oshodi after hearing the case of the prosecutor, sentenced the convict to ten years in imprisonment.
Folorunsho was initially charged with the offence of defilement of a 12-year-old girl, in February 2018. However, he was arraigned in October 2021, on two amended counts preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
The case was, however, resurrected on Wednesday, December 11 by the State’s prosecution counsel, O. Aluko. Arraigning the convict, Aluko told the court that Folorunsho had opted for a plea bargain.
The convict was, therefore, re-arraigned on two amended counts bordering on indecent treatment by rubbing the victim’s anus with his hands. And having sexual assault by fondling her breasts with his hands.
Appearing before the court, the prosecutor, Aluko, informed that both parties had entered a plea and sentence agreement dated December 12, 2024.
The prosecutor informed the court that a sentence of 10 years imprisonment was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins.
“My Lord, the prosecution did not call any witnesses before Folorunsho accepted the plea bargain agreement. And he was remanded on March 22, 2018,” she said.
Aluko, therefore, informed the court that the plea bargain required filing an amended charge.
The judge asked Folorunsho whether he understood the contents of his guilty plea and the obligation of the court to give out the maximum sentences on the charges.
Folorunsho admitted that he made the plea bargain voluntarily and under caution. He stated that he was satisfied by the advice of his counsel.
On his part, the defence counsel, M.I Alagbala, informed the court of the agreement by his client to the plea bargain.
“We apply for a plea bargain for Folorunsho, we beg the court to grant the plea bargain,” he said.
The amended charge was then read to him and he pleaded guilty.
The prosecution said the offences committed by the convict contravened Sections 135 and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
Justice Oshodi admitting the plea bargain. And thereby sentenced the convict to 10 years imprisonment having found him guilty of the offences.
“I have found you guilty based on your plea in the amended information dated December 11, 2024. Haven carefully considered the plea bargain agreement and your show of remorse.
“I sentence you to 10 years imprisonment which will commence from March 22, 2018. And your name should be registered as a sex offender under the Lagos State,” Oshodi ruled.
source: Punch
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