MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 45-year-old man, Joseph Agbo, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos on allegations of defiling a 12-year-old minor. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet marked KCSP 5/5/28, the alleged incident was said to have occurred in April 2026 at Fadare Street, UNA Bus Stop, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. The location falls within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution told the court that sometime in April 2026, the defendant allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with the victim. The identity and personal details of the minor were withheld in line with Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and child protection laws.
Count One on the charge sheet stated that Joseph Agbo committed defilement. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 137 provides that any person who defiles a child under the age of 13 years is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. The court will determine guilt based on evidence presented during trial.
In Count Two, the Police alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace. The charge sheet stated this involved actions intended to prevent the victim from raising an alarm during the alleged incident.
The second offence was listed as contrary to and punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. That Section addresses conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The defendant was brought before the court at about 11:30 a.m. for arraignment. The matter was listed before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola at the Ikeja court.
The court did not take the defendant’s plea following an application by the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie. The prosecutor asked the court to refer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and advice on jurisdiction.
Ruling on the application, Magistrate Tanimola ordered the defendant to be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. The remand is pending the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice regarding proper jurisdiction for the matter.
The prosecution was represented by officials from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, with support from the District Prosecutor’s Office, Ogba. The Investigating Police Officer was Inspector Osungwu Maria of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. CSP Omolola Odutola was also listed in connection with the case file.
Under Nigerian law, cases involving minors are given priority by the courts to ensure justice and protection. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. Further proceedings, including bail considerations and trial, will follow the DPP’s advice in line with due process.
