A court in Lagos has sentenced a herbalist, Segun Shina, to 14 years in prison for attempting to assault a 10-year-old girl who was brought to him for epilepsy treatment.

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday after Shina pleaded guilty under a plea bargain agreement. He had first denied the charges but later changed his plea.

Justice Rahman Oshodi stated that Shina’s actions showed he took advantage of a vulnerable child who trusted him for healing. The judge noted that the original charge carried a life sentence but considered the plea bargain and arguments from both sides before deciding on 14 years.

The sentence will count from November 16, 2018, the date of his arrest. The judge also ruled that Shina’s name be added to the sex offender register and that he must not have any contact with the victim’s family.

Shina was first arraigned in court on April 4, 2021, for defilement. The prosecution, led by State Counsel Ms. Bukola Okeowo, presented strong evidence, including testimonies from the victim’s mother and a police officer.

The victim’s mother told the court she had taken her daughter to Shina for treatment, not knowing he would try to harm her. The crime violated Section 262 of the Lagos Criminal Laws of 2015.

This case highlights the importance of protecting children and ensuring justice for victims of abuse.