A Lagos court has sentenced a man, Ahmed Ayinla, to 14 years in prison for repeatedly attempting to sexually assault his 9-year-old stepdaughter in a deeply disturbing case of domestic sexual abuse.
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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court delivered the verdict on Wednesday, following Ayinla’s guilty plea under a plea bargain arrangement to an amended charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.
According to court proceedings, Ayinla was initially facing a charge of defilement, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. However, following a plea bargain deal presented by the prosecution, the charge was downgraded.
The presiding judge said the court was satisfied that Ayinla understood the consequences of the agreement. “The evidence before this court revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse perpetrated against your nine-year-old stepdaughter over an extended period,” Justice Oshodi stated.
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He added, “The survivor testified that these incidents were ‘uncountable’ in number whilst she was under your care and protection. Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with repeated penetration.”
The judge condemned Ayinla for betraying the sacred trust of a father figure. “You exploited this child’s dependency and violated her innocence in the most egregious manner,” he declared.
Despite the severity of the crime, the plea bargain process led to a reduced sentence. Ayinla was handed a 14-year prison term, retroactively commencing from his remand date of September 18, 2020. He will also be registered as a sexual offender in Nigeria’s official database.
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Prosecuting counsel Bukola Okeowo had earlier presented three witnesses before the plea deal was finalized. On June 10, 2025, she informed the court of the convict’s agreement to the amended charge, leading to the conclusion of the trial.
This case highlights growing concerns about domestic abuse and the importance of justice reforms to protect vulnerable children across Nigeria.
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