IKEJA COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 18 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT ON EIGHT-YEAR-OLD TWINS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday sentenced Chidera Chibuzor to 18 years imprisonment for the attempted sexual assault of eight-year-old twin sisters.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict following a plea bargain agreement between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the defendant. Chibuzor pleaded guilty to an amended three-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault, and assault.

The judge noted that the case was a de novo (fresh) trial after the defendant had initially faced a two-count charge of defilement, which carries a mandatory life sentence under Lagos State law.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that the victims who are twin sisters aged eight, were vulnerable and deserving of protection. He acknowledged the defendant’s admission of guilt and remorse, stating that while it does not undo the damage, it reflects some recognition of wrongdoing.

The court sentenced Chibuzor to 14 years for count one, three years for count two, and one year for count three, with the sentences to run consecutively. The judge ordered that the sentence be backdated to September 18, 2020, when the defendant was first remanded in custody.

Chibuzor was also ordered to be listed in the national sex offenders register.

According to the prosecution, the offences took place between July 2019 and September 2020 at Karimu Street, Surulere, Lagos.