An Ebonyi State Magistrate Court, sitting in Abakaliki, has ordered the remand of one Eze Desmond, 25, for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in the state.
The accused was alleged to have had unlawful intercourse with a 17-year-old (name withheld) on November 17, 2019.
It was gathered that the suspect committed the offence at Effium Overbridge in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
He was arraigned before the court on one count of unlawful intercourse.
The police prosecutor, Mathias Eze, told the court that the offence was punishable under section 34 (2) Ebonyi State Child Right Law and Related Matters, 2010.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Nnenna Onuoha, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.
Therefore, the plea by the defense counsel that the accused be admitted to bail, was not granted.
Onuoha, thereafter directed that the accused should be remanded at the custodial Centre, Abakaliki, and his case file forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the state, for advice.
The matter was adjourned to December 18.
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