Court Remands 59-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Defilement Of 8-Year-Old Girl In Ajegunle

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 59-year-old man, Kunle Kuti, before a Lagos Magistrate Court over alleged defilement of an 8-year-old girl in Ajegunle area of Lagos.

Kuti was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola in the Lagos Magisterial District on a one-count charge of defilement. The prosecution was led by ASP Lucky Ihehie.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the defendant allegedly committed the offence on August 31, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. at  Baale Street, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The charge states that the defendant allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor, an offence punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The case was investigated by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, with Corporal Mary Abang listed as the Investigating Police Officer, under the supervision of CSP Omolola Odutola.

When the charge was read to the defendant in court, the magistrate did not take his plea, citing the nature of the offence which requires legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The prosecutor, ASP Ihehie, applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody pending the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice. He told the court that the prosecution had duplicated the case file and forwarded it to the DPP for advice, as is the standard procedure in such serious matters.

In her ruling, Magistrate Tanimola granted the prosecution’s application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Center, Kirikiri town, pending the outcome of the DPP advice.

She directed that the case file be duplicated and a copy sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, for legal advice. The matter was adjourned pending the DPP’s report.

The Lagos State Government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence, particularly offences against minors. Under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, defilement of a child is a serious felony that attracts severe punishment upon conviction, including life imprisonment.

Police authorities have continued to encourage parents and guardians to be vigilant and to promptly report any suspected abuse to the Gender Section or the nearest police station. The command also assured that the identity of survivors, especially minors, would be protected in line with child protection laws.

Child rights advocates have also called for speedy prosecution of sexual offences, noting that delay in justice often affects the wellbeing of survivors and their families. They urged the public to support survivors rather than stigmatize them.

Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegation against the defendant is yet to be proven, and the DPP’s advice will determine whether the case proceeds to the High Court for trial.

The court is expected to mention the case after the DPP advice is received.

Meanwhile, the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice in all cases of sexual violence and urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information that will aid investigations.