MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 34-year old man, Emeka Onwuachimba, has landed in trouble in Lagos State for tricking a 13-year girl by fondling her breasts, getting her confused and penetrating her.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect has been arrested and charged for statutory rape under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The incident happened at Pere Street, Orile Iganmu area of Lagos, where they reside
The suspect allegedly lured the victim into his apartment and tricked her into having sex by fondling her breasts in order to get her confused before he penetrated her as the victim was unable to resist him.
The victim later realized herself, then raised alarm and reported to her parents that she was raped by the suspect, Onwuachimba.
The alleged rape was reported to the Police in the area and he was arrested. He was later transferred to the SCID at Yaba, Lagos, for interrogation over the alleged rape.
During interrogation, the suspect denied raping her and stated that he slept with her with her consent. But the victim insisted that she was raped because she never consented to it.
However, the Police found Onwuachimba culpable and consequently charged him before the Yaba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence.
The Court did not take his plea when he was arraigned after the prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice since the allegation attracts a capital punishment in the interest of justice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. P.E. Nwaka, ordered the defendant to be remanded in custody pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. He as well directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned till 8th April, 2024, for the report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.