A 40-year-old lawyer, Chika Uzoamaka, who allegedly fingered a nine-year-old girl in her private part, was on Monday re-arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court.
Uzoamaka was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on sexual assault and an indecent act.
While testifying in court, the prosecutor, Sergeant Aondohemba Koti, said the defendant committed the alleged offence on August 12, at about 12:45 pm at the magistrate’s courtroom 4, Tinubu, on Lagos Island.
Koti told the court that the 40-year-old lawyer inserted his finger into the girls anus and virginal without her consent, noting that he willfully and without an excuse, committed an indecent act in a public place.
The accused however pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
The prosecutor observed that the offences are punishable under Sections 259, 261, 263 (1) and 134 (1) of the criminal law of Lagos State 2011.
Magistrate L. A. Owolabi granted Uzoamaka bail in the sum of N400,000, with two responsible sureties who must be 40 years old.
Owolabi, ordered that one of the sureties must be a lawyer with 10 years’ experience and a verifiable address, adding that the sum of N100,000 should be deposited in the court’s registrar’s account.
Owolabi adjourned the case till September 14 for mention and ordered that the amended charge be taken to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for advice.
DAILY POST recalls that Uzoamaka on August 12 was arrested at the court premises for allegedly assaulting and fondling the breast of the victim.
The suspect was first arraigned on August 13, at the court chambers on a three-count charge bordering on indecent assault by touching the little girl’s genitals and fondling her breasts without her consent.
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