CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 40-year-old man, Paul Asunnomeh, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of defilement involving a 14-year-old girl. The court ordered that he be remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which will determine jurisdiction.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the alleged offence occurred at No. 29, Orona Street, Oshodi, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The incident is said to have taken place at two different times, in the month of June 2024 and again on June 21, 2026.
The defendant, Paul Asunnomeh, is facing a one-count charge. The Police alleged that he had sexual intercourse with a minor, aged 14 years. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, provides that any person who has sexual intercourse with a child is guilty of defilement and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.
The case was transferred to the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for investigation. The Investigating Police Officer was W/Inspector Raimi Idowu.
In an affidavit in support of remand order deposed to at the Magistrate Court Registry, the Police stated that the matter was reported on June 25, 2026 at about 11:30am. The case was transferred from Akinpelu Police Division to the Gender Section.
The complainant, a resident of Orona Street, Oshodi, reported the matter on behalf of the survivor. According to the deposition, the complainant alleged that in 2024 he discovered that the defendant was having sexual intercourse with the minor and warned him to desist. The complainant further alleged that on June 21, 2026, he discovered that the defendant attempted to have sexual intercourse with the minor again, which prompted the report to the Police.
The affidavit stated that the suspect was arrested and made a statement to the Police. The Police informed the court that investigation has been concluded and that the case file would be duplicated and forwarded to the DPP for legal advice.
The case was mentioned before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola. The prosecution was led by ASP Lucky Ihehie.
After listening to the application for remand, Magistrate Tanimola ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The court said the remand is to enable the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to issue legal advice, which will determine the appropriate court with jurisdiction to try the matter.
Legal experts note that defilement cases are treated with priority by the Lagos State Government and the Gender Section of the Police Command. The law makes it clear that consent is immaterial where the victim is a child.
Authorities have repeatedly urged members of the public to report cases of sexual abuse of minors to the police or appropriate agencies for prompt investigation and prosecution. Child protection advocates also emphasize the need for community vigilance and parental supervision to prevent abuse.
A charge before the court does not amount to a conviction. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for mention pending DPP’s advice.