Court Remands Ajewole Damilare, 25, Over Alleged Defilement of 17-Year-Old In Ikorodu

The defendant was brought before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola on a one-count charge of defilement. Police alleged that the incident occurred on June 14, 2026, at about 7:30am at G & G Agbowa-Atere area of Ikorodu, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet presented in court, the offence is punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. The section prescribes life imprisonment for conviction of defilement of a minor.

The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that the matter had been investigated by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, and that legal advice had been received from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

Following the DPP advice, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending further legal directives and the outcome of ongoing administrative processes.

Magistrate Tanimola ordered that he be remanded at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending further proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to a later date for mention in line with the remand procedure for cases awaiting DPP’s directives.

Magistrate Tanimola further directed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the DPP for further legal advice and prosecution guidance, which is standard practice in sexual offences under Lagos State law.

In a brief comment after proceedings, legal observers noted that Section 137 of the Lagos Criminal Law is clear on the state’s stance against sexual offences involving minors. The law mandates prosecution and provides for maximum sentencing upon conviction, as part of efforts to strengthen child protection in the state.

The Lagos State Police Command, through the Gender Section, has in recent months reiterated its commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual violence. Officers say the unit works closely with the Ministry of Justice and child protection agencies to ensure that victims receive support while cases are pursued in court.

Human rights groups in Lagos have also continued to advocate for faster trials and victim support services in sexual offence cases. They stress that timely prosecution and public awareness are key to deterring such offences.

The defendant remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending the next court date and further directives from the DPP.