CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 26-year-old man, Jonathan Obika, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of defilement and sexual assault involving a 9-year-old girl in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
According to the charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, the offences were allegedly committed on June 11 and June 12, 2026 at Adeosho Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged in Count I that Jonathan Obika, on June 11, 2026 at about 00:00 hours, allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the 9-year-old girl. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the charge stated that on June 12, 2026 at about 11:30 hours, at the same address, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the same minor. The second count was said to be punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Law provides that any person who defiles a child is liable to imprisonment for life. Section 261 deals with sexual assault by penetration and also prescribes severe penalties.
The matter was reported to the Police on June 17, 2026 at about 12:00 hours. According to a remand application deposed to by Inspector Eyo Glory of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, the case was transferred from Makinde Division, Oshodi to the Gender Section.
The complainant, Glory Evarest, reported the matter on behalf of her daughter. She alleged that the defendant, who resides at Adeosho Street, Mafoluku, defiled her daughter. The suspect was subsequently arrested and made a statement to the Police.
The remand application was signed by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem. Prosecution is being handled by Inspr. Eyo Glory of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.
The application prayed the court to remand the suspect pending duplication of the case file and transmission to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
The Court did not take his plea after the prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Tanimola, ordered the remand of the defendant in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice, which will determine the jurisdiction.
Defilement cases in Lagos are handled with priority under the Child Rights Law and the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The Gender Section of the Lagos Police Command said it remains committed to protecting children and ensuring perpetrators face the law.
Legal experts note that arraignment is the first stage in criminal proceedings where charges are read to a defendant and the court decides on custody pending trial and DPP’s advice.
The Magistrate is expected to rule on the remand application and other bail considerations at the next adjourned date. The court registry at Ogba Magistrate Court is handling the proceedings.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report cases of abuse against children to the nearest police station or to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA. The DSVA helpline is available for victims and witnesses seeking support and protection.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, in accordance with Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.