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Man Jailed 14 Years For Raping 78-Year-Old Woman
Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced a man, Lawal Moshod, to 14 years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 78-year-old woman (name withheld) now deceased.
The judge convicted the defendant of a one-count amended charge brought against him by the state for raping the woman.
The defendant had pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 13, 2022 by the prosecution, Mr B. E. Okeowo.
He was re-arraigned on May 30, 2024 on an amended one-count charge bordering on an attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary to section 262 of the criminal law of Lagos State.
The amended information was read to the defendant on May 31, 2024, to which he pleaded guilty.
The judge asked the defendant whether he understood the content of his guilty plea and the obligation of the court to give out the maximum sentence on the charges.
Lawal admitted he made the plea bargain voluntarily and was satisfied by the advice of his counsel.
Earlier, during resumed proceedings yesterday, the prosecuting counsel told the court that she called two witnesses, two IPOs and exhibits were tendered to prove his case.
Okeowo urged the court to sentence the defendant according to the plea bargain agreement dated May 30, 2024.
Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Oshodi said that the defendant was charged on a lone count of rape through information dated August 26, 2019, which was filed on September 9, 2019 and he pleaded not guilty to it on May 13, 2022.
“The defendant met the survivor, a 78 years 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 Samaritan heard her cry and mobilised to rescue her.”
She was taken to the police station and it was confirmed that the survivor was bleeding through her private part with bruises on her face.
“She was later taken to Mirabel Medical Centre for examination. The medical examination result was received as exhibit F in evidence which documents physical trauma and forceful penetration of the survivor’s vagina.”
The prosecution counsel, B. E. Okeowo, informed the court that both parties have entered a plea and sentence agreement dated May 30, 2024.
Oshodi asked the defendant if he had anything to say to the court.
“Forgive me,” Moshod said.
The defendant counsel Oyebanji Yusuf pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
“He is remorseful about what he has done. I plead to this honorable court to temper justice with mercy. He committed a very grievous offence considering the age of the victim.”
The prosecution counsel, Okewo, urged the court to sentence the defendant according to the plea bargain.
“My lord, we urge this honorable 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 for help from the defendant, which he took advantage of and raped her, which caused the victim a lot and led to her death.”
She added that this will send a powerful message and signal to the society.
Oshodi sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment on the one-count charge after considering the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and defence counsel.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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