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Two Remanded In Kirikiri Over Alleged Defilement In Igando

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CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 
A Lagos Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of two men in the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, over the alleged defilement and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Igando area of Lagos State.
The defendants, Gbenga Adewole, 36, and Rapheal Prince, 18, were arraigned before Magistrate Mrs M.O. Tanimola on a three-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between the year 2025 and September 2026 at No. 23, Segun Alaka Street, Igando, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet, Adewole was charged with allegedly defiling the 14-year-old girl. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Prince was charged separately with allegedly sexually assaulting the minor. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Both defendants were also charged on a third count for allegedly infringing on the right to dignity of the minor by subjecting her to physical, mental or emotional injury. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 10(a) of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecutor informed the court that the case file had been forwarded for legal advice and urged the court to remand the defendants pending the outcome of the advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
Magistrate Tanimola, after listening to the prosecutor, ordered that both defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri Town pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
The court did not take the plea of the defendants, as the Magistrate Court lacks jurisdiction to try the offences of defilement and sexual assault of a minor, which are indictable offences to be tried at the High Court.
The matter was adjourned pending the DPP’s advice, which will determine whether the defendants will be prosecuted at the High Court.
The charge sheet, with Charge No: 2026, was signed by CSP Oladele Charles. The case was investigated by Inspector Lorita Idehai of Igando Police Station.
The DPP’s office, District Prosecutor’s Office, Ogba, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, approved the charge for filing on October 17, 2026.
Lagos State has continued to record cases of defilement and sexual assault against minors, prompting the state government and the police to intensify public awareness and prosecution of such cases.
The Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State provides for the protection of children against all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and prescribes severe punishment for offenders upon conviction.
Child protection advocates have repeatedly called on parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and to report any case of abuse to the police or to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, for prompt action.
The police have also advised members of the public to avoid taking laws into their hands and to allow the courts to determine the guilt or innocence of suspects.
The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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