Court Remands 45-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Defilement Of Girl, 12

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 45-year-old man, Joseph Agbo, was on Monday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ogba over alleged defilement of a 12-year-old girl at Iju-Ishaga area of the state, court documents revealed.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence in April 2026 at Fadare Street, UNA Bus Stop, Iju-Ishaga, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet marked Charge No. 2026, Joseph Agbo was accused of defiling a 12-year-old girl, an offence punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecutor further alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by allegedly covering the minor’s mouth.

The conduct was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, the court document stated.*

The charge sheet was signed by CSP Omolola Odutola, Officer in charge of the Gender Section of the Police Command, dated May 5, 2026, according to court records.

The case file indicated that the matter was handled by the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, with Inspector Osungwu Maria listed as the Investigating Police Officer, IPO.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, was also listed in the legal document as part of the prosecution team.

However, the court did not take the defendant’s plea following a motion moved by the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asking the court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered his remand in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice, which will determine jurisdiction on the matter.

Sections 137 and 168(d) of the Lagos Criminal Law prescribe strict penalties for defilement and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, legal observers said.

Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for swift prosecution of sexual violence cases involving minors to serve as deterrent and ensure justice for victims.

Lagos State has strengthened laws against sexual and gender-based violence, with courts prioritising cases involving children and vulnerable persons.

The matter was adjourned for further proceedings, while details of bail, exhibits and findings were yet to be entered on the court record as at press time.

Authorities have urged members of the public to report cases of abuse against children to the nearest police station or the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA. Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.