A 25-year-old man, Emeka Innocent, has been ordered remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by the Magistrate, Mrs. M. O. Tanimola of an Ikeja Magistrate Court over allegations of sexual assault involving a minor in the Ipaja area of Lagos State.
The order was given during the suspect’s arraignment on charges filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
According to the charge sheet, the incident was alleged to have occurred on May 22, 2026 at about 3:00pm at a residence on Abore Street, off Peace Estate, Ipaja, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
Police Prosecutor told the court that the suspect was accused of having unlawful sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 135 (1) (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. The section deals with defilement and sexual assault of a child. Under the law, any person who sexually assaults a child under 18 years commits an offence and is liable on conviction to life imprisonment.
Legal analysts note that Lagos State strengthened child protection laws in 2015 to impose stiffer penalties and ensure faster prosecution of sexual offences. The law also mandates that cases involving minors be handled with special procedures to protect the identity of the victim.
The charge sheet, signed by SP Endurance Ovwigho, Divisional Police Officer, Ipaja Division, listed the case as being investigated by IPO Insp. Shittu Ayantoun of Ipaja Division.
During proceedings, the Magistrate did not take the plea of the defendant in the open court due to the nature of the offence. This is in line with standard judicial practice for cases involving minors, to avoid public exposure of sensitive details.
The prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the Court to refer the matter to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Following the arraignment, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further legal advice from the DPP.
The presiding Magistrate ordered that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the DPP for review and issuance of legal advice on whether to proceed with the matter at the High Court. The court also fixed a date for mention pending the DPP’s advice.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report any case of abuse against children to the nearest Police station or to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, for immediate intervention.
The DSVA, established by the Lagos State Government, provides free medical, legal, and psychological support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence across the 5 divisions of the state.
Child protection advocates say cases like this highlight the need for increased community awareness, parental supervision, and prompt reporting to law enforcement agencies. They also called on schools, religious centers, and community leaders to play a bigger role in educating children on personal safety.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Lagos DSVA on 08000 333 333 or the Police on 112/767. The name of the minor has been withheld to protect identity in line with child protection laws.