An Ikeja sexual offences and domestic violence court has sentenced Peter Ezeh to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s 16-year-old sister.
Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, delivered the judgment on Monday after Ezeh pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attempted assault by penetration, contrary to section 262 of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
Ezeh was initially arraigned on June 2, 2022, on a charge of defilement, to which he pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Bukola Okeowo, the state counsel, called three witnesses—the survivor, her sister, and an investigative police officer—who provided evidence against him.
Advertisement
The survivor told the court that Ezeh had unlawful sexual intercourse with her twice when she accompanied her elder sister to his house.
However, on February 26, Okeowo informed the court that Ezeh, with the consent of his lawyer, had opted for a plea bargain.
Following his guilty plea, Oshodi convicted him, describing the offence as a serious violation of a minor.
Advertisement
“What makes your case particularly disturbing is that the survivor is your girlfriend’s younger sister—a 16-year-old child who was brought to your house, but you breached the trust and slept with her twice,” the judge said.
“After she has testified, you made a U-turn and resulted in a plea bargain agreement.”
Oshodi ruled that Ezeh’s sentence would begin from his remand date, September 29, 2021.
He also ordered that Ezeh’s name must be registered in the sexual offences register of the Lagos state government.
Advertisement
Add a comment
