MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 35-year-old trader, Ndubisi John, was on Monday arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate Court in Ikeja over allegations of defilement of a 13-year-old girl inside a shop at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.
The defendant was brought before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola on a one-count charge of defilement, contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on the 10th day of July 2026 at Shop 4, Block 100, Promiseland, Ladipo Market, Mushin, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleged that Ndubisi John “did unlawfully have sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl” and thereby committed an offence under Lagos State law.
The case was transferred from Ladipo Police Station to the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for investigation. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the file was Cpl. Alfred Victor.
In an affidavit in support of a remand order deposed to by the IPO, it was stated that a complaint was made to the Police by a relative of the minor. The affidavit further stated that following the report, the suspect was arrested and made a statement to the Police.
The prosecution informed the court that the case file has been duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ogba, for legal advice.
The Court did not take the plea of the defendant as the prosecutor asked the court to remand him pending DPP’s advice and the conclusion of investigations.
In her ruling, Magistrate Tanimola ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri Town. The magistrate adjourned the case for mention to await DPP’s advice and further directives.
Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 provides that any person who defiles a child is liable to imprisonment for life upon conviction. Legal experts noted that defilement cases are treated as serious offences under Lagos State law and are usually prosecuted by the DPP’s office.
The complainant in the matter was the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
Human rights advocates and child protection groups have continued to urge parents, guardians and market associations to be vigilant and report any form of abuse involving children to the Police or relevant authorities immediately.
The Lagos State Government has also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence, especially cases involving minors. Officials say perpetrators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to serve as deterrent.
The Police advised members of the public to speak up and provide information that can help protect children from abuse, adding that the Gender Section of the Command has trained officers to handle such cases with confidentiality and professionalism.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.