Man, 26, Arraigned Over Rape

The police at Ebute Ero Police Division, Idumota, Lagos Island, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have arrested Ajao Akinyemi, 26, and arraigned him before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly having unlawful canal knowledge of a 19-year-old girl.

The incident was said to have occurred on 27 June 2011 at about 9;30 hours at No. 22 Agoro Street, Lagos Island.

The accused, it was learnt, committed the act after allegedly threatening to kill the girl if she refused to allow him have sex with her.

The victim was said to have reported the incident to her parents who took the matter to the police and the accused was arrested.

After investigation, he was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court with rape. The offence, according to Sergeant Hannah Ameh, is punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C 17, vol. ii, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The charge reads: “That you Ajao Akinyemi, on 27 June 2011, at 22 Agoro Street, Lagos Island in the Lagos Magisterial District, did unlawfully have canal knowledge of a 19-year-old girl (names withheld) without her consent by means of threat.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. I. O. Akinkugbe, granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties who must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government for three years and adjourned the matter till 24 August, 2011.

— Paul Iyoghojie