16th January, 2014
Ajobless man, Joseph John, 25, has been arrested by the police at Ilasan Division, Lekki, Lagos State, western Nigeria, for allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge of an eight-year old girl after luring her to his apartment with N100 to buy suya, a local barbecue.
It was alleged that the suspect forcefully had an unprotected sex with the primary 3 pupil through her anus and vagina with his fingers and penis.
The little girl in the process sustained serious injuries with blood flowing from her private part and was later rushed to a nearby hospital where she is receiving treatment.
The incident, according to the police, occurred at Chisco Waterside, off Kusenla Road, Ikate, Elegushin, Lekki , where the suspect and the victim reside.
It was reported that the little girl was sent on an errand by her parents when the suspect accosted her on the way and demanded to know where she was going.
The girl reportedly told the suspect that she was sent on an errand by her mother but the suspect allegedly told her to follow him to his apartment to collect N100 for suya.
On getting to his apartment, the suspect reportedly forced the little girl down on the ground, tore her pants and forcefully had an unprotected sex with her, using his fingers and penis to penetrate her anus and vagina.
P.M.NEWS learnt that the mother of the victim became aware that her daughter was sexually abused when she noticed blood stains on the little girl’s buttocks.
The mother examined the girl’s private part and discovered blood flowing from her vagina.
When asked how she got the injury, the little told her mother that “Uncle Joseph used his hand and penis to do the thing”, pointing her hand to her private part.
The mother raised the alarm which drew the attention of her neighbours who later assisted her to take the girl to the hospital for treatment. The police were also invited and they arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, John allegedly confessed to the crime that he raped the little girl because he was jobless and could not raise money to woo a mature girl for sex.
After investigation, the suspect was charged before Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a count charge of rape.
The offence, the prosecutor said, is punishable under Section 259 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. This section prescribes life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexual assault by penetration.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Justice O. O. Oshin admitted him on bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The chief magistrate adjourned the matter till 5 February for mention. The suspect was, however, taken to Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos State pending when he will fulfil his bail conditions.
—Paul Iyoghojie