An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday sentenced a herbalist, Segun Shina, to 14 years in prison for attempting to s3xually assault a 10-year-old girl who suffered from epilepsy.
Justice Rahman Oshodi handed down the sentence after Shina pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault under a plea bargain agreement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shina had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea as part of the agreement.
Delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the evidence before the court, coupled with the defendant’s voluntary guilty plea, proved his culpability.
“I must emphasise that the original charge carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” the judge said.
“You exploited a vulnerable child who sought healing for epilepsy, betraying the trust placed in you as a traditional healer.
“I have considered your plea for leniency, the submissions of your lawyer and the prosecutor. I hereby sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Oshodi ruled that the sentence would take effect from Nov. 16, 2018, the day Shina was arrested.
He further ordered that the convict’s family ensure his rehabilitation upon release.
“You shall have no direct or indirect contact with the survivor’s family, and your name shall be registered as a s3x offender under the law,” Oshodi added.
Shina was initially arraigned on April 4, 2021, on a charge of defilement filed by the Lagos State Government.
He pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution, led by State Counsel Ms. Bukola Okeowo, to call two witnesses: the survivor’s mother and an investigative police officer.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including exhibits.
The survivor’s mother testified that she had taken her daughter to Shina for treatment due to her epilepsy, not knowing he would exploit her.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravened Section 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
