AN Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, on Monday, remanded one Friday Ignatius, 20, in custody for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in his neighbourhood.
The magistrate, Mrs T. B Ogunkanmi, did not take the defendant’s plea but ordered that he be remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre, pending advice by the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on the matter.
Ogunkanmi adjourned the matter till Feb 13, 2020, for mention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ignatius of Iseyin area, Iseyin, Oyo State, was in court on one-count charge of rape.
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The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Ojeleye, told the court that the accused, on Nov 22 at about 10 a.m. in Oluaye area of Iseyin, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor without her consent.
Ojeleye said, “the defendant was the victim’s neighbour. Ignatius was alleged to have waylaid the victim while she was on an errand for her father.
“The defendant allegedly ambushed the victim on the way and raped her. She was alleged to be unable to stand on her feet. She cried for help while the defendant slept off beside her.
“The defendant was caught in the act, found to be drunk and was handed over to the police,” he said.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.