CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arraigned a 22-year-old man, Afeez Balogun, before a Lagos Magisterial District Court over alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Ajegunle area of Lagos.
According to the charge sheet marked Charge No: 3794/26, the incident was said to have occurred on May 17, 2026 at about 3:45am at No. 17, Opedola Street, Ajegunle, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The Commissioner of Police was listed as the complainant in the matter. The defendant was charged with one count of sexual assault.
The Police alleged that the defendant did sexually assault one 15 years old (name withheld), by laying on her body. The offence was stated to be punishable under Section 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 262 of the Lagos Criminal Law deals with sexual assault. Under Lagos law, sexual offences involving minors are treated as serious crimes due to the age of the alleged victim.
The case is being handled by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was W/Inspector Abosede Badru.
After investigation, the Police filed the case before the court for arraignment. The charge was read to the defendant in the open court.
Court records show spaces for plea, finding and sentence. Details of plea were not indicated on the copy of the charge sheet made available.
The presiding Magistrate is expected to determine bail and other preliminary applications as proceedings continue. The matter will be mentioned on subsequent dates for further directives.
The Police stated that the arraignment is part of efforts to address cases of gender-based violence and protect children across the state.
Authorities at the Gender Section said they are working with relevant agencies to ensure proper handling, medical support and counseling for the alleged victim.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and urged members of the public to report any case of abuse to the nearest Police station.
The Police also emphasized that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.