MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 15-year old boy may spend the rest of his life in custody for allegedly engaging his neighbour’s 7-year old daughter in sex, recording their action and posting online for people to watch in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the alleged defilement took place on 12th March, 2025, at Conde Street, Epe area of Lagos, where they reside.
According to the Police, on the 14/03/2025 at about 1835hours, a case of defilement was transferred from Epe Police Station to the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja Lagos, reported by Child Protection Unit, Alausa, on behalf the victim of same address with the suspect, based on the video that went viral where the suspect was seen defiling the survivor.
The suspect was arrested and detained at the Command for interrogation over his alleged conduct and after interrogation the Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence.
The charge read:
“That you, Haruna, the defendant on the 12th day of March, 2025, at Conde Street, Epe Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did defile the victim by having carnal knowledge of her thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 and punishable under Section 210(8) of Child Right Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
The Court did not take his 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 the juvenile center pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP for legal advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention while waiting for the report of the DPP’s advice, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.
The names of the defendant and victim were withheld in line with the policy of P.M.EXPRESS because they are still minors.