Man, 34, Remanded Over Alleged Sexual Assault Of Five Women In Lagos

The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola of the Ikeja Magistrate Court on a six-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police bordering on alleged sexual assault, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The prosecution was led by ASP Lucky Ihehie.

According to the charge sheet, the case was investigated by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, Outstation, Alausa, Ikeja, by Inspector Alli-Balogun J., and the file was forwarded for legal advice.

Magistrate Tanimola ordered the remand of the defendant at Kirikiri pending the outcome of the advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

The alleged incidents were said to have occurred at Okiki Imole Street, Ikola, Ipaja, Lagos State, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.

In count one, the Police alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted a woman sometime between 2021 and 2022 without her consent.

The alleged offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In count two, the Police alleged that sometime in 2023 and 2024, the defendant unlawfully touched another woman without her consent while she was allegedly in an unconscious state.

The prosecution said the alleged offence is also contrary to Section 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In count three, the defendant was alleged to have assaulted a third woman sometime in 2023 by allegedly forcing her to consume alcohol against her will, causing her harm.

Police said the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In count four, the Police alleged that sometime in 2023, the defendant sexually assaulted a fourth woman without her consent.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 263(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In count five, the defendant was alleged to have unlawfully touched a fifth woman without her consent despite her alleged resistance.

Police said the alleged offence is contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In count six, the Police alleged that between 2021 and 2023, the defendant compelled the complainants and other persons described as models to consume alcoholic drinks against their will whenever they failed to answer questions relating to modelling.

The prosecution alleged that force was applied to their persons without their consent, an offence said to be contrary to Section 168(1)(a) and punishable under Section 170 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

After the charges were read, the defendant’s plea was not taken pending the DPP’s advice, a common procedure in serious criminal matters before the Magistrate court.

ASP Ihehie told the court that the prosecution was awaiting the DPP’s legal advice to determine the appropriate court for trial.

Magistrate Tanimola subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, pending the outcome of the DPP advice, and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.

The case has drawn attention because of the number of complainants and the period over which the alleged incidents occurred.

Gender rights advocates in Lagos say cases of alleged sexual assault should be handled with sensitivity to protect the dignity and privacy of complainants.

They urged the public to allow the court to determine the facts while ensuring that complainants receive necessary medical, psychological and legal support.

Legal experts note that Section 263 of the Lagos Criminal Law provides serious penalties for sexual assault if proven, while Section 173 addresses assault causing harm.

They also note that all allegations remain unproven at this stage and that the defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence.

Police authorities say the DSVA has in recent years intensified investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence in Lagos State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

Members of the public have been advised to report cases of alleged sexual and domestic violence to the nearest police station or DSVA office for prompt action.

The names of the alleged victims are being withheld for privacy and safety reasons in line with best practices in reporting gender-based violence.

All allegations against the defendant remain unproven. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.