A man named Daniel Gajo was sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, for murdering his wife Esther, a 24-year-old woman.

The suspect initially pleaded not guilty during his arraignment to one count of voluntary manslaughter and was remanded on June 13th, 2013, over the act that is contrary to Section 227 of Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015; he changed his plea on Thursday, June 16 as confirmed by Olayemi Shofolu, the prosecution.

Shofolu submitted the plea bargain and sentencing agreement signed by the defense counsel and prayed the court to grant the 17 years jail term as recommended in the agreement.

S.N., the defense counsel, confirmed the arrangement. S.N. Nwodo, the defense counsel, confirmed the agreement with his client. He stated to the court that he hasn't been compelled to change his plea in order to reduce his sentence.

Justice Adesanya, who presided over this case, was not impressed by the plea deal due to the severity crime.

Adesanya maintained that the recommended sentence was not commensurate to the crime committed by the defendant, adding that the crime was "unprovoked and premeditated."

She stated:

“The defendant took his wife’s life in her mother’s home. I am not bound by the sentencing agreement and can decide to increase the years. No one has the right to take another person’s life.

“I have taken into account the statements of the parties. I also recognise that the court is not bound to accept the sentencing agreement. In view of this, I hereby convict you, Daniel Gajo, as charged. Having regard to all considerations, this court rejects the 17 years sentencing agreement. I hereby sentence you, Daniel Gajo, to 21 years in prison starting from the day of your remand, June 13, 2013.”

Source: https://aderonkebamidele.com/a-man-was-handed-21-years-jail-sentence-for-killing-his-wife/