A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, remanded one Japhet Fahonuma, a 28-year-old student in prison custody for allegedly raping a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl.
The prosecutor, Insp. Terzungwe Kajo, while noting that the offence committed contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, told the court that a brother of the victim reported the case at the ‘E’ Division Police Station, Makurdi on January 1.
Kajo said that the complainant alleged that the accused lured his sister, who is mentally challenged, out on the night of the fateful day and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
The prosecutor said that luck, however, ran out on the accused as a passer-by, who saw him defiling the young girl, ran to report the incident to the family of the victim, adding that the matter was subsequently reported to the police and the accused was later arrested after investigation.
Fahonuma of Benseer Street, Owner Occupier, Makurdi, is facing a one-count charge of rape. However, when the case came up for mention, the court did not take the plea of the accused because it lacked jurisdiction.
The Magistrate, Mrs Lillian Tsumba, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.
Tsumba adjourned the matter till March 3 for trial.
Comments