A 21-year-old man identified as Justice Seun was on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly inserting his finger into the private part of a two-year-old daughter of his father’s tenant.
Seun, who resides at No. 2 Abebi Street, Ogudu area of the state, is standing trial on a one-count charge of child defilement, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecuting officer, Inspector Simon Imhonwa informed the court that the offence was committed on September 7 at noon at the accused’s residence.
Imhonwa told the court that the accused, who is a son of the Landlord, lured the daughter of his father’s tenant into his room where he inserted his finger into her private part.
The prosecutor said the case was reported to the police after the child’s mother raised the alarm after the victim complained of discomfort in her private region.
According to Imhonwa, the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
It was learnt that the father of the victim, Mr Umoh, however told the court that he would like to withdraw the case as the family of the accused had pleaded for forgiveness.
“I don’t want a court case. The family has begged for forgiveness,” Umoh said.
In her response to the plea, the Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi noted that the matter can no longer be withdrawn.
“This case cannot be withdrawn; it is not in your jurisdiction any more. It is the state’s. The case will go to trial,’’ Osunsanmi ruled.
She then granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Osunsanmi adjourned the case to November 30, for trial.
Comments