On Tuesday, the Ikeja S*xual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced an Arabic teacher, Oladosu Sakiru, to 21 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted s*xual assault of a 13-year-old female student.
Judge Rahman Oshodi delivered the sentence after Sakiru admitted to the charges of attempted s*xual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a minor.
In his remarks, Judge Oshodi criticized Sakiru for violating the trust placed in him by the parents of the victim, who enrolled their child in his Islamic school.
The judge noted a clear pattern of predatory behavior, as evidenced by the inappropriate touching and the assault that Sakiru inflicted on the victim. He stated that when confronted about his actions, Sakiru resorted to the excuse, “It was the work of the devil.”
Oshodi emphasized that figures like religious leaders and educators hold significant positions of trust within society, and when such individuals exploit that trust, the court must impose strict penalties to reflect societal condemnation and deter similar offenses in the future.
“As an imam and Arabic school instructor, you occupy a position of great responsibility—not only to the 13-year-old girl you victimized but also to her parents and the entire community that seeks your spiritual and moral guidance. You have betrayed this trust in the most reprehensible way,” the judge stated.
Ultimately, Sakiru received a 14-year sentence for the first count and a 7-year sentence for the second, with both terms scheduled to run consecutively. His name will also be added to the Lagos State S*xual Offences Register.
During the sentencing phase, defense attorney Mr. Nelson Onyejaka urged the court to show leniency, citing that Sakiru was a first-time offender with two wives to support.
In contrast, state prosecutor Ms. Bukola Okeowo requested a strict sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed by Sakiru between February and March 2022 on Odusanmi Street in Mushin, Lagos.
Initially, Sakiru had pleaded not guilty when charged on March 17, 2023. However, compelling evidence during the trial, provided by two witnesses (the survivor and her father), led to the plea agreement that resulted in the amended charges.
The offenses breached Sections 135 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
