A herbalist, Segun Shina, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for the attempted sexual assault of a 10-year-old epileptic girl in Lagos. The court found him guilty of exploiting the young child, who had sought traditional healing for her medical condition.
The judgment was delivered by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday. Justice Rahman Oshodi presided over the case and handed down the sentence after carefully reviewing the evidence presented before the court.
The herbalist pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault under a plea bargain agreement. The prosecution and defense had previously agreed on the amended charge, leading to his conviction without a full trial.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Oshodi stated that the overwhelming evidence, combined with the defendant’s voluntary guilty plea, clearly established his culpability in the case.
“I must emphasize that the original charge carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” Justice Oshodi said during the sentencing.
The judge condemned the actions of the herbalist, noting that he had taken advantage of a vulnerable child who sought healing for epilepsy. “You exploited a vulnerable child who sought healing for epilepsy, betraying the trust placed in you as a traditional healer,” he stated.
Justice Oshodi further considered the defendant’s plea for leniency, as well as the arguments presented by both his lawyer and the prosecutor. After weighing all factors, he ruled that the appropriate punishment would be a 14-year prison sentence.
“I have considered your plea for leniency, the submissions of your lawyer, and the prosecutor’s argument. I hereby sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment,” the judge declared.
In addition to the prison term, Justice Oshodi issued strict conditions to ensure that the convicted herbalist does not cause further harm to the victim or her family. “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,” he added.