1st March, 2012
The Police at Ikoyi Division, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have arraigned a driver, Joseph Peter, 25, before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a one-count charge of unlawful administration of drugs to his teenage lover and housemaid of his employer with an intention to abort a four-week-old pregnancy.
The police alleged that the accused was arrested following a complaint by the employer of the 17-year-old victim (name withheld) and the driver who resides with her, that Joseph impregnated her. The employer said the maid told her that Joseph impregnated her and to cover-up, he procured drugs for her to terminate the pregnancy.
The police stated further that doctor’s report revealed that the drugs did not only cause miscarriage of her one-month old pregnancy, she has also been bleeding since the incident.
During interrogation, Joseph allegedly admitted that he impregnated her, but denied procuring any drug for her for the termination of the pregnancy.
But the housemaid insisted that Joseph procured the drugs for the termination of the pregnancy.
She explained further that Joseph convinced her to take the drugs because if Madam (their employer) discovers that she was pregnant, they would both lose their jobs.
The offence, the prosecutor, Cousin Adams, stated contravened Section 147(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A. A. Famobuwon, admitted him on bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum who must show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government and live within the jurisdiction of the court.
She adjourned the matter till 27 March 2012.
The accused was remanded in Ikoyi Prison when he could not meet his bail conditions in good time.
—Paul Iyoghojie