A 14-year old boy (name withheld ) may have to spend the rest of his life in custody in Lagos State for allegedly engaging his neighbour’s 4-year old girl in sex.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the boy has been arrested, charged and remanded in custody for defilement under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The incident happened at Latols Street by St. Mary bus stop, Governor’s Road, Ikotun area of Lagos, where they reside.
According to the Police, the boy lured the victim, engaged her in sex and while they were in the act, they were caught by one of their neighbours, who informed the victim’s parents.
The matter was reported to the Police at Ikotun Division; the boy was arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct against the victim.
During interrogation, the boy reportedly admitted to have committed the alleged offence with the victim but claimed he did not know it was an offence punishable by the law.
However, the Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence as the victim’s parents demanded for his prosecution.
The charge read:
“That you, the defendant, of Latols Street by St. Mary Bus-Stop, Governor’s Road, Ikotun Lagos on the 18/12/2024, at about 1640hrs, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did defile the victim, 4years old and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 137, of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.”
The Court did not take his plea when he was arraigned following a motion moved by the Prosecutor, Supol J. Ikayere, asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice because of the nature of the alleged offence.
Thus, the Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, ordered his remand in remand center pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP for advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.
The names of both the defendant and victim were withheld because they are still minors in line with the policy of P.M.EXPRESS.