An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday sentenced an Islamic teacher, Obasanmi Waliyullahi, to 21 years imprisonment for attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of his 15-year-old pupil, (name withheld).

The convict was handed down the sentence by Justice Rahman Oshodi following his guilty plea to the two amended charges of attempted sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child.

The judge convicted and sentenced Waliyullahi to 14 years imprisonment for the first count of attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and seven years for the second count of indecent treatment of a child.

Justice Oshodi said, “From the evidence led by the prosecution, I am satisfied that all the charges have been established beyond reasonable doubt as the defendant understood the significance of pleading guilty to the charges against him.

“Accordingly, I find the defendant guilty as charged under the amended charge. I have also considered his plea bargain and he is hereby sentenced to 14 years for an attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration and seven years for indecent treatment of a child.

“The sentencing is to run consecutively and the convict is to have his name registered as a sex offender.”

The convict had earlier prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as he was a first-time offender.

Waliyullahi had earlier prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as he was a first-time offender.

Meanwhile the defence counsel, Saheed Akindele, in his allocutus, also prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that he was remorseful for his action and he was the breadwinner of his family.

Earlier, the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, informed the court that the parties had reached an agreement for the defendant to opt for a plea bargain.

PUNCH