CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 34-year-old man, Emmanuel Nwaobasi, was on Friday arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, over allegations of sexual assault involving a 6-year-old girl.
The defendant was arraigned by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on a one-count charge before Magistrate Mrs. M. O. Tanimola.
According to court documents obtained by P.M.EXPRESS, the prosecution alleged that Nwaobasi committed the offence sometime in 2025 at Deborah Ibitoye Street, Xtadock Event Estate, Ajah, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The charge stated that the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the minor, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In a sworn affidavit in support of a remand order deposed to by the Investigating Police Officer, Cpl. Irighogbe Peace of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, it was stated that the matter was reported on June 5, 2026, at about 12:00pm.
The IPO said the case was transferred from Langbasa Police Station to the Gender Unit by one Ashibuogun Stella Ijeoma, the mother of the 6-year-old survivor, of the same address in Ajah.
According to the affidavit, the complainant alleged that the defendant, who was a security guard attached to the estate, was reported to have had inappropriate contact with the minor. The mother stated that the report was made after the child confided in her.
The IPO further stated that the suspect was arrested and he made a statement to the Police. She told the court that she was of the opinion that the suspect be remanded pending the duplication of the case file and transmission to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
At the court, the case was prosecuted by ASP Lucky Ihiehie of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
However, the Court did not take the plea of the defendant after the prosecutor moved a motion asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered the defendant to be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned for mention for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine jurisdiction.
The IPO in the matter was Cpl. Irighogbe Peace of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.
Legal experts say Section 261 of the Lagos Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for sexual assault by penetration. The Gender Section of the Lagos Police Command has urged residents to report any case of abuse immediately to the nearest Police station or the DSVA. Cases involving minors are usually given priority by the DPP to ensure speedy trial and justice for survivors.
Child rights advocates have continued to call for increased vigilance and reporting of abuse cases, noting that such matters must be handled with urgency by law enforcement and the courts.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.