P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Ajibua, has been arrested and charged for statutory rape.
The incident happened at Olatunji, Ojota area of Lagos, where they reside.
The suspect was arrested following a complaint by the victim’s parents to the Police at Domestic Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Lagos State, who moved into action, arrested Ajibua and detained him for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
During interrogation, the suspect told the Police that she was his girlfriend, that they consented to have sex and as such, she was not raped as claimed by the parents.
However, the claim of consent by both did not save him as the Police found him culpable for engaging a minor in sexual act against the law of the State under Section 137 of the Criminal code.
He was subsequently charged before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence. But the Court did not take his plea when he was arraigned following a motion moved by the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, ordered his remand in custody pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s Advice to be available, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.
The defendant may likely be transferred to the High Court for the alleged offence if the DPP’s report finds him culpable and recommends his trial for the alleged offence.