Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Manslaughter in Lagos

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja has sentenced Adeola Agbonrin to 21 years in prison after convicting him of manslaughter.

The conviction followed Agbonrin’s change of plea to guilty on an amended charge of manslaughter, which was brought against him by the Lagos State government. Initially, Agbonrin had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Matha Farinmade but later opted for a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.

According to Dr. Babajide Martins, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the offence occurred on January 7, 2012, at No. 32 Mojalate Street, Ilupeju, Lagos. The charge was based on Section 225 of the Criminal Law, Chapter C.17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

During the court proceedings, Martins informed the court of the plea bargain agreement, which stipulated that Agbonrin would serve a 21-year prison term starting from the date of his remand.

Justice Lawal-Akapo questioned Agbonrin to ensure that his plea change was voluntary, to which Agbonrin confirmed that he had approached the prosecution of his own accord.

Agbonrin’s defense counsel, Victor Amaechi, appealed to the court for leniency, emphasizing that his client was now remorseful.

In delivering his judgment, Justice Lawal-Akapo noted that Agbonrin had been in custody since February 9, 2012—amounting to 12 years and four months. The judge expressed satisfaction that Agbonrin fully understood the charges and had entered the plea bargain agreement willingly.

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

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