MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 16-year old boy has landed in trouble in Lagos State for allegedly luring and engaging a 10-year old girl in sex and was caught in the act.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the boy has been arrested and charged before Court for the alleged rape under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The incident happened on 16th April, 2024, at Adeboye Street, Abaranje area of Ikotun, Lagos, where they reside.
According to the Police, the suspect lured the victim, confused her with words of mouth and engaged her in the act. But while in the act, one of their neighbours, who saw them raised alarm which attracted other neighbours.
The girl’s parents heard it and reported the alleged rape to the Police at Ikotun Division. The suspect was arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
During interrogation, he told the Police that she was his girlfriend and they consented to have sex, which they did before they were caught in the act.
The Police found him culpable for engaging a minor in sex and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment or life imprisonment.
However, the Court did not take his plea when he was arraigned following a motion moved by the Prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asking the Court to give a date and refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, ordered his remand pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned till 25th July, 2024, for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be ready, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.
The names of both defendant and victim were withheld because they are still minors in the eyes of the law and in line with the policy of P.M.EXPRESS.
The defendant may likely face trial for the alleged rape despite the fact that he is still a minor according to the Police.