Man, 29, Arraigned In Court Over Alleged Sexual Offence Involving A Minor

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 29-year-old man, Victor Edet, is facing charges before a Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over an alleged sexual offence involving a minor in Akoka, Yaba. The matter was filed as CHARGE NO…2026, with the Commissioner of Police listed as prosecutor. 

The charge sheet alleged that the incident occurred on 28th March, 2026, at Lawani Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The offence was cited as punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, which relates to offences against children.

According to a supporting affidavit deposed by the Investigating Police Officer, the case was transferred on 31st March, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m. from Sabo Yaba Division to the Gender Unit, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The report was made on behalf of a minor by a parent residing at the same address.

The affidavit stated that on the day in question, the minor was sent home during rainfall. Later, when the parents returned home, the minor was said to have made an allegation against the suspect.

Police records indicated that the suspect was arrested and made a statement to investigators at the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer was listed as W/Inspr. Abosede Badru of the Gender Section.

The prosecution applied for a remand order to enable further investigations and to forward the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice. The offence referenced in the remand affidavit was Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, relating to sexual offences.

The Court did not take the defendant’s plea after the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered the defendant’s remand in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. She also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and forward it to the DPP.

Lagos State law provides heightened procedural safeguards in cases involving minors. Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law address child protection and carry serious penalties upon conviction.

The Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command is responsible for investigating cases of sexual and gender-based violence. Its duties include taking statements, preserving exhibits, and ensuring the privacy of all parties throughout the process.

Court documents confirm that the matter is before the Magistrate Court, Ogba, Ikeja, in the Lagos Magisterial District. Forwarding the case file to the DPP for legal advice is standard procedure in serious criminal matters before trial can commence.

Legal observers note that a charge sheet and remand affidavit contain allegations only. Under Nigerian law, the defendant is presumed innocent until the prosecution proves the case beyond reasonable doubt in court.