CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 25-year-old man, Emeka Innocent, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magisterial District on Monday over alleged sexual assault of a minor in Ipaja area of Lagos State.
According to the charge sheet, the case was filed by the Commissioner of Police against Emeka Innocent. The prosecution said the incident allegedly occurred on May 22, 2026 at a residence on Abore Street, Off Peace Estate, Ipaja, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant unlawfully had sexual contact with a 3-year-old girl. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 135 (1)(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 135 of the Lagos State Criminal Law prohibits defilement and prescribes severe penalties including life imprisonment upon conviction. The law was enacted to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and to ensure stiffer punishment for offenders.
The charge sheet was signed by SP Endurance Ovwigho of Ipaja Division, Lagos. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Insp. Shittu Ayantoun of Ipaja Division.
The court did not take the plea of the defendant. The prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the court to refer the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and direction.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. The court also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned for mention to await the DPP’s advice, which will determine the next stage and the appropriate court with jurisdiction to try the case.
Under Nigerian law, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The court will determine the matter based on evidence presented during trial.
Child rights advocates in Lagos have called for faster prosecution of cases involving minors. They urged parents, teachers and community members to report any suspected abuse to relevant authorities immediately for proper investigation.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse. Officials said relevant agencies including the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, are working with the Police to ensure protection, support and justice for children.
Security sources said the Ipaja Police Division has intensified community sensitization to curb crimes against children. Residents were urged to cooperate with law enforcement and provide timely information that can help prevent abuse in neighborhoods.