A Magistrates’ Court sitting at the Yaba Area of Lagos State, on Wednesday, remanded a 50-year-old man, Henry Okeke, at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) in the Fola Agoro, Somolu area of the state.
Magistrate Patrick Nwaka made the order after the defendant, who is facing two counts of rape preferred against him by the police, was brought before the court.
The police prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the incident happened in April 2023 at No. 9, Fatai Ade Street, Fola Agoro, in the Somolu area of Lagos.
He said the family of the victim reported the case to the police, seeking justice for their 12-year-old daughter after the defendant illegally had sexual intercourse with the victim in his room, in the compound where they all live.
Okeke was alleged to have raped the girl when she entered his room to give him feedback on the errand he sent her.
He was also alleged to have sexually abused the child twice since April 2023.
According to the prosecutor, the offense committed is punishable under Sections 141 and 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The charge read, “That you, Henry Okeke, on April 25, 2023, around 4.30 pm 2023 at No 9, Fatai Ade Street, Fola Agoro, Somolu area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did abduct your neighbor’s daughter into your room at the above-mentioned address with the intent to have carnal knowledge of her and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 141 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
Okeke prayed the court to remand the defendant for 30 days pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
The magistrate did not take the defendant’s plea but ordered that he be remanded.
He adjourned the case till June 19, 2023.
