Man Accused Of Raping 9-Year Old

A 39 year-old man has been arraigned before the Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, for allegedly raping a nine year-old girl (name withheld).

The accused, Ganiyu Ibiyemi, of 11, Borno Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, was alleged to have committed the act on 6 May, 2011, at about 9 a.m.

In his statement to the Police, Ganiyu, who claimed to be a staff of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Glover Street’s Office, denied raping the girl but confirmed that he used his finger to probe the little girl’s vagina.

It was gathered that the accused called the little girl, whose parents are his co-tenant, into his room and kissed her before raping her.

The deed was blown open when the victim told her parents what transpired between them. The matter was reported to the police and he was arrested and charged to court.

The charge reads: “That you, Ganiyu Ibiyemi, 39, on 6 May, 2011, at about 9 a.m., at 11, Borno Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did unlawfully and forcefully have carnal knowledge of a girl (name withheld) and consequently defiled her and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C.17, Vol.2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.”

He pleaded not guilty to the charge while his counsels, Mr. Alli Abba and Mrs. A. Adebambo, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

The Prosecuting Police Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ajayi, did not oppose the bail application.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. M. O.Olajuwon admitted him on bail in the sum of N100 000, with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the magistrate, must show evidence of paying tax to the Lagos state government; means of livelihood and their addresses must be verified by the court’s registrar.

The case has been adjourned till 25 May, 2011 for trial.

—Paul Sanusi