An Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered that a 44-year-old trader, Seye Garuba, who allegedly defiled a seven-year-old girl, be remanded in a correctional centre.
The court did not take the plea of the defendant following a motion by the prosecutor, ASP Bisi Ogunleye, that the matter should be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Magistrate Mrs Ejiro Kubeinje ordered for the defendant’s remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre without an option of bail and directed the prosecutor to send the file to the DPP for advice. She adjourned the case until Jan. 11.
The defendant, who resides at Ojo area of Lagos, is being tried for defilement.
Ogunleye told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Oct. 17 at his residence.
He said the defendant unlawfully had sexual intercourse with his neighbour’s daughter.
“The defendant lured the girl into his room, removed her clothes and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
“When the girl wanted to shout, he covered her mouth with her clothes.
“The defendant was caught in the act and the case was reported, leading to his arrest.”
Ogunleye said the medical report revealed that the minor had been defiled.
The offence, the prosecutor said, violates Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The section attracts life imprisonment for defilement if proven. (NAN)
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