CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two 16-year-old suspects were arraigned on Tuesday before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy and defilement of a 12-year-old girl in Ajangbadi area of Lagos State.
The suspects were arraigned before the court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and defilement.
According to the charge sheet signed by CSP Omolola Odutola, the alleged incident occurred on the 7th day of June, 2026, at about 8:30pm at Ebenezer Street, Carpenter Bus Stop, Ajangbadi, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged in Count I that the two defendants conspired amongst themselves to commit felony to wit: defilement. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid Magisterial District, allegedly defiled a 12-year-old girl. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
According to the Police affidavit, the matter was transferred to the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for investigation. W/Inspector Raimi Idowu was listed as the Investigating Police Officer in the information sheet.
The charge sheet indicated that the case was approved by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, before it was filed in court. The document was stamped “OPP APPROVED”
However, the Court did not take their plea after the prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the case file would be forwarded for legal advice. The prosecutor informed the court that investigation is ongoing and that medical and other exhibits have been obtained in connection with the matter.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered that the two 16-year-old suspects be remanded in a juvenile correctional center pending the outcome of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The Magistrate further directed that the case file be duplicated and transmitted to the DPP for advice and adjourned the matter for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine the jurisdiction.
Child rights advocates and residents of Ajangbadi have condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution in line with the Child Rights Law of Lagos State and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State prescribes life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defilement of a child below the age of 13. Legal experts say the prosecution will rely on medical reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements to establish the case during trial.
The Nigeria Police Force, through the Gender Unit, has reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice. The Command urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to be vigilant and report cases of abuse to the nearest Police station or the Gender Section at the State Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
Authorities also noted that counseling and welfare services will be provided to the victim in line with provisions of the Child Rights Act.
The names of the defendants and victim were withheld because they are still minors and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.
