Man bags 21-year term for manslaughter in Lagos

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday sentenced a man, Adeola Agbonrin, to 21 years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Agbonrin was sentenced after pleading guilty to the one-count charge brought against him by the Lagos State government.

He was initially arraigned on January 31, 2013, before the same court for a murder before he entered a plea bargain agreement.

Agbonrin was re-arraigned on information contained in a charge marked No. ID/99C/15, dated July 3, wherein he was charged with the manslaughter of one Matha Farinmade.

The prosecution led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, said Agbonrin committed the offence on January 7, 2012, at No. 32, Mojalate Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

The judge found him guilty as pleaded and sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment.

Before the sentence, the prosecuting counsel informed the court of a plea bargain agreement between the parties.

He said both parties had agreed that the defendant would serve a term of 21 years from the date of remand.

The court held that the defendant be remanded in a custodial centre on February 9, 2012, and has been in custody for 12 years and four months.

Justice Lawal-Akapo held the defendant’s guilty plea and asked if he was forced to change his plea. Agbonrin answered that he willingly approached the prosecution himself.

The defendant’s counsel, Mr V. D. Amaechi, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the defendant is remorseful.

Justice Lawal-Akapo held: “I am satisfied that the defendant understands the charge and the facts presented. I am also satisfied that he entered the plea bargain agreement freely without being influenced. Therefore, I accept his plea of guilty.

“You, Adeola Agbonrin, are hereby sentenced to 21 years imprisonment commencing from February 9, 2012.”