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A scrap seller, Nasiru Usman, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday for sexually assaulting and indecently treating a four-year-old girl (name withheld) in his shop.
Justice Rahman Oshodi issued the ruling after Usman had a plea bargain agreement regarding the modified three counts of charges: indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and indecent act.
The judge determined that Usman comprehended the nature of his guilty pleas.
He was sentenced to seven years for the first count, three years for the second, and two years for the third count, totaling 12 years, to be served consecutively.
Justice Oshodi stated: “Nasiru Usman, you are before this court for sentencing after pleading guilty to indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and indecent acts, in violation of Sections 135, 263, and 134 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
These offenses took place against a four-year-old victim on January 6, 2023. Initially, you faced a defilement charge, punishable by life imprisonment under the Criminal Law. However, a plea agreement was reached on May 22, 2025, between the prosecution and your defense counsel.”
The judge emphasized that he took into account various significant factors, noting that the convict’s actions were particularly despicable as they targeted a vulnerable child.
He highlighted that Usman's actions represented a severe breach of trust and a grave abuse of authority over an innocent minor, causing significant psychological trauma that could have lasting impacts on the victim’s life.
Oshodi remarked: “I have acknowledged your guilty plea, which shows some acceptance of accountability for your actions and has relieved the young victim from the additional distress of testifying in court. Your admission of guilt also saves judicial resources, and I took into consideration your expressions of deep regret about your behavior.
Therefore, the plea agreement terms are deemed fair and reasonable in this context. As such, you are sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment in accordance with the plea agreement.
This sentence will begin from your remand date of January 6, 2023, and you will be registered as a sex offender.”
The prosecution had charged Usman with defilement, to which he had initially pleaded not guilty on January 23, 2024.
State Counsel Bukola Okeowo informed the court that the crime occurred on January 6, 2023, at Ghetto Corner, Lekki, Lagos.
An Investigative Police Officer testified about how Usman lured the child into his shop, engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with her, and subsequently gave her N200.
