Lagos court jails man 21 years for manslaughter

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, sentenced a man, Adeola Agbonrin, to 21 years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo sentenced Agbonrin after he pleaded guilty to a count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

The convict was originally charged with the murder of Matha Farinmade, later Agbonrin applied for a plea bargain agreement, leading to the reduction of the charge to manslaughter.

He was first arraigned on January 31, 2013, before the same court and was re-arraigned on July 3, 2024, under a charge marked ID/99C/15.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, informed the court that the offence was committed on January 7, 2012, at No. 32, Mojalate Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

According to Martins, Agbonrin’s actions contravened Section 225 of the Criminal Law, CH: C. 17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Justice Lawal-Akapo, while delivering his judgment, stated, “I am satisfied that Agbonrin understands the charge and the facts presented.

“I am also satisfied that he entered the plea bargain agreement freely, without any influence. Therefore, I accept his guilty plea.”

Prior to the sentencing, the convict, and the prosecution counsel, Martins, informed the court of the plea bargain agreement between the parties, noting that both sides had agreed to a 21-year sentence, starting from the date of Agbonrin’s remand.

Agbonrin has been in custody since February 9, 2012, meaning he has already served 12 years and four months.

The defence counsel, Mr. V. D. Amaechi, pleaded for leniency, stating that Agbonrin was remorseful and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

In response, Justice Lawal-Akapo held, “You, Adeola Agbonrin, are hereby sentenced to 21 years imprisonment, commencing from February 9, 2012.”

The judgment brings to a close a case that spanned over a decade, with the court recognising the time already served by the defendant.