Woman, 3 Others Charged With Prostitution

A 29-year old woman, Stella Kelly and three others have been arrested by the police for indulging in prostitution at the Talisco Hotel, in Lagos.

The suspects were later arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a six-count charge of engaging in prostitution.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Rosemary says the offence is punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal code, Cap.17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused were also said to have indulged and encouraged 16-year old Favour Imeh to engage in prostitution and unlawfully forced her to swear with the Holy Bible.

Count two of the charges reads: “That you, Stella Kelly, Monday Kelly, Joshua Eroumwunsele Itua and Florence Etim on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district did knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of prostitution and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 225 A of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Count four of the charges reads:”That you, Stella Kelly, Monday Kelly, Joshua Eroumwunsele and Florence Etim on the same date, time, place in the aforesaid magisterial district did aid, abet prostitution and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 225 A of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Count six of the charges reads: “That you ,Stella Kelly, Monday Kelly Joshua on the same date time, date, and place in the said aforesaid magisterial district did steal the sum of eleven thousand naira, property of one Favour Imeh and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390[9] of the Criminal Code, Cap, 17, Vol .11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the magistrate, Mrs. T. Akanni adjourned the case till 15 June this year for further hearing.

— Omolabake Oguntade