A Lagos court has sentenced 61-year-old farmer Abayomi Abraham to 14 years imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his 15-year-old biological daughter.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the judgment on Wednesday after Abraham changed his plea to guilty on an amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.
The convict, who was first arraigned in February 2024 on four charges including defilement and attempted abortion, initially pleaded not guilty. However, prosecutor Ms. Bukola Okeowo informed the court on Monday that Abraham had opted for a plea bargain.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi condemned Abraham’s actions, stating: “As her father, you held a position of absolute trust. You were meant to be her protector, guide and safe harbor. Instead, you violated that sacred trust in the most despicable manner possible.”
The judge confirmed Abraham entered his guilty plea voluntarily with proper legal advice. The 14-year sentence will be backdated to August 31, 2022, when he was first remanded in custody. Abraham’s name will also be entered in Lagos State’s Sexual Offenders Register as required by law.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency urged citizens to report such cases through their toll-free line: 08000-333-333, emphasizing the need to “continuously break the culture of silence” surrounding sexual violence.
