Man Jailed For 14 Years For Molesting 78-Year-Old Woman

A man named Lawal Moshood was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 78-year-old woman (names omitted), who is now deceased.

On Friday, June 7, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted the defendant of a one-count amended charge made against him by the state for the rape of the woman.

Moshood had previously pled not guilty when arraigned on May 13 by the prosecution’s Mr B. E. Okeowo. He was re-arraigned on May 30, 2024, on an amended one-count accusation of attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration in violation of Section 262 of Lagos State’s penal legislation.

After the defendant was handed the new information, he entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2024.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Oshodi said; “The defendant met the survivor a 78-year-old woman, now deceased, in Maryland, on January 2, 2019, she had dementia and could not find her way home.

“The defendant offered to assist her as it turned out it was a deliberate act to abuse her sexually.

“The defendant took the 78 years old survivor to a secluded area and raped her. Some Good Samaritans heard her cry and mobilize to rescue her.”

She was escorted to the police station, where it was discovered that the survivor was bleeding from her private parts and had bruises on her face.

The Judge added; “She was later taken to Mirabel Medical Center for examination. The medical examination result was received as exhibit F in evidence which documents physical trauma and forceful penetration of the survivor’s vi.rginal.”

When Oshodi asked the defendant if he had anything to say to the court, he responded, “Forgive me.” Oyebanji Yusuf, the defendant’s counsel, also requested that the court temper justice with pity.

He said; “He is remorseful towards what he has done, I plead to this honourable court to tamper justice with mercy. He committed a very grievous offence considering the age of the victim.

“My lord we urge this honourable court to sentence the defendant according to the plea bargain. The plea bargain agreement does not reduce the gravity of the offence committed by the defendant.

“The victim was 78 years old, she only sought help from the defendant he took advantage of her and raped her which caused the victim a lot and laid her to her death.

“My Lord this will send a powerful message and signal to the society that sexual abuse will not be tolerated in the society. We also asked that his name should be registered in the sexual offenders register.”

Following consideration of the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Oshodi sentenced the defendant to 14 years in prison on the one-count accusation.

The judge stated the 14-year sentence would begin on January 2, 2019, the day he was remanded. Oshodi remarked that even if the victim has passed away, one can picture the anguish of a 78-year-old woman suffering from dementia.

The judge ordered that the convict be returned to Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre and his name be added to the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli