A Lagos court has sentenced Sunday Okoronkwo to 17 years in prison for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s seven-year-old granddaughter, following a plea bargain agreement.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja handed down the sentence after Okoronkwo was re-arraigned on a two-count amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.
During the sentencing, Justice Oshodi emphasized the serious nature of the crime. “The prosecutrix’s evidence, corroborated by your confessions, established that you had sexual intercourse with her. You chose to enter into a plea bargain agreement, pleading guilty to attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault,” he stated.
The judge explained the legal basis for the sentence, noting that “the maximum sentence for attempted sexual assault by penetration is 14 years imprisonment, while sexual assault carries a maximum term of three years.”
Okoronkwo received 14 years for the attempted sexual assault by penetration charge and an additional three years for sexual assault. The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, dating back to December 14, 2018, when the convict was first remanded in custody.
In his final remarks, Justice Oshodi advised the convict to make good use of his time in prison by participating in rehabilitation programmes, particularly those addressing sexual offending behaviour.
Local community leaders have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior toward children promptly to relevant authorities.
