Lagos Trader Remanded Over Alleged Defilement of Five-Year-Old Girl

A 43-year-old trader, Friday Okiye, has been ordered to be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court. The decision, handed down on Friday, stems from allegations that Okiye defiled a five-year-old girl.

The defendant, a resident of the Ojo area of Lagos, is facing a sole charge of defilement. Chief Magistrate C.M. Kushanu did not take Okiye's plea during the court session. Instead, she mandated his detention at Kirikiri while the court awaits legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case has been adjourned, with September 30 set as the date for the court to receive the DPP's counsel.

Prosecutor Adegoke Ademigbuji informed the court that the alleged incident occurred at the Trade Fair Market, Aspanda, Ojo, Lagos. Mr. Ademigbuji detailed how the defendant purportedly lured his neighbour’s five-year-old cousin into his shop under the guise of offering her money. He further alleged that Okiye then placed the child on his lap and sexually assaulted her with his fingers as she cried.

The court heard that the victim's cries attracted the attention of her uncle, whose shop was situated close to the defendant's. The uncle reportedly caught Okiye in the act of sexually assaulting the minor.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged actions constitute a contravention of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Mr. Ademigbuji emphasized that this specific section prescribes a penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction for such an offense.