CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 52-year-old man, Ibraheem Surajudeen Bamidele, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Ikeja on Monday over allegations of defilement of a 13-year-old girl.
The defendant was charged by the Commissioner of Police on one count of sexual offence contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence was said to have occurred between 22nd December, 2025 and May 2026 at Agbe Road, Oko-Oba area of Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
Prosecution told the court that the case was transferred to the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja on 13/05/2026 at about 1730hrs from Oko-Oba Division for investigation.
The matter was reported to the Police by a parent of the 13-year-old survivor. The report stated that a school counselor had contacted the parent and raised concerns about alleged sexual abuse involving the suspect.
Following the report, Police operatives arrested the suspect. It was gathered that he made a statement to investigators during interrogation.
The Investigating Police Officer, W/Inspr. Raimi Idowu of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, swore to an affidavit in support of a remand order.
In the affidavit, the IPO said she was conversant with the facts of the case and had the authority of the Commissioner of Police to depose to the facts.
The prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant pending duplication of the case file and transmission to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The charge against the defendant stated that he allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O.Tanimola, made an order to remand the defendant in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the report of the DPP’s advice.
The court did not take a plea due to the nature of the offence after the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie moved the motion for remand pending the DPP’s legal advice.
Legal experts note that defilement is a serious offence under Lagos State law and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The Lagos State Police Command also reiterated its commitment to protecting children and urged the public to report cases of abuse to the nearest Police station or the Gender Unit.
