16th May, 2012
A 27-year old man, Suleiman Aliu, 27, has been arrested by the police at Onikan Division, Ikoyi, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria,, for allegedly defiling a 12-year old girl (name withheld).
The police said the suspect said in his statement that he only had sex with the little girl three times.
The incident occurred at 38, Ajeniya Street, Obalende, where the victim and the accused reside.
He was charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a one count charge of defilement.
The police stated in the charge sheet that the accused was arrested following a complaint by the mother of the victim that Aliu had defiled her daughter.
She stated that she saw her daughter when she came out of Aliu’s apartment at about 1 a.m. on 17 April, 2012, walking awkwardly in the passage.
The victim’s mother stated further that when she confronted her daughter on her mission to Aliu’s apartment at such an odd hour, she confessed that Aliu had sex with her, and that he had secretly had sex with her thrice.
At the station, the accused allegedly confessed to the crime. He stated that he only had sex with her thrice and begged the police prosecutor for forgiveness.
The offence, the prosecutor, ASP Austin Onwuemene said, contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
When Aliu was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and Magistrate Mrs. Awope, admitted him on bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of 3-year tax payment to the Lagos State government.
She adjourned the matter till 5 June, 2012 for mention.
The accused was remanded in Ikoyi Prison when he could not perfect his bail condition on time.
—Paul Iyoghojie