MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 15-year-old boy has been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl at Oshodi, Lagos.
According to a charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident allegedly occurred on April 24, 2026, at Majaro Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, within the Magisterial District.
The charge stated that the 15-year-old boy allegedly defiled the 9-year-old girl by having sexual intercourse with her in her father’s sitting room. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 137 deals with defilement and prescribes life imprisonment on conviction. Lagos State has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offences involving children, and cases are usually handled by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure proper investigation and victim protection.
The matter was handled by the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Police Investigation Officer listed on the document is Inspector Theresa Temidayo.
However, the Court did not take his plea after the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the Court to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered the defendant to be remanded in Juvenile Center pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
The case was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine the jurisdiction.
Under Nigerian law, the identity of child victims and accused persons under 18 must not be published to protect their privacy and future. The law also presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Child protection agencies and NGOs continue to advocate for stronger safeguards, education, and swift prosecution in cases involving minors to deter such offences.