Ladipo Market Trader Arraigned For Sexually Assaulting 3-Year-Old Girl

A 47-year-old Ladipo Market trader, Monday Iheukwumere, has been arraigned in Lagos State for allegedly inserting his finger into the private part of a 3-year old girl, causing her to bleed profusely.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect was arrested and charged for sexual assault.

The incident occurred on 1st December, 2025, at Lawrence Omagbemi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, where both the suspect and the victim reside.

He was charged for sexual assault by finger penetration under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The charge read:

“That you, Monday Iheukwumere ‘m’, on the 1st day of December, 2025, at No. 2, Lawrence Omagbemi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did sexually assault one female, aged 3 years, by penetrating her vagina with your finger, thereby causing her to bleed, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”

The Court did not take his plea following a motion by the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, who asked the Court to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. She directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP.

The matter was adjourned for mention pending the DPP’s advice, which will determine whether the case will be transferred to the High Court over jurisdiction.

There has been controversy around the case due to conflicting medical reports on the alleged defilement. An initial report from the Mirabel Centre indicated an infection, while a report from Igando General Hospital stated there was evidence of penetration.

The child’s mother, Mrs. Ogechi Okoye, alleged intimidation and attempts to cover up the case. She claimed that she was physically assaulted by individuals linked to the suspect and that she was approached with offers of money to withdraw the case.

However, through the intervention of the Ambassador for Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (AMPEF), an NGO led by Prince  Iche, the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command rearrested the defendant and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court.

The alleged offence attracts several years of imprisonment upon conviction under the Criminal Law of the State.