Man, 40, Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Defilement & Impregnation Of 12-Year-Old Girl

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 40-year-old man, Idongesit Emmanuel, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.

The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. M.O Tanimola on a one-count charge of defilement brought by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

The Prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that Emmanuel allegedly committed the offence on the 8th day of July 2026 at Ijeshatedo Road, Moshalashi Bus Stop, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet marked 2012/26, the defendant allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl and the act allegedly resulted into a pregnancy.

The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

Section 137 of the Lagos Criminal Law provides that any person who defiles a child below the age of 18 years is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. Legal experts say the section was included in the 2015 law to strengthen child protection and to serve as a deterrent against sexual violence in Lagos State.

The charge was read to the defendant in open court. However, his plea was not taken.

The prosecutor, ASP Ihehie, moved a motion asking the Court to refer the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Lagos State Ministry of Justice for legal advice and further directives. The prosecutor said the referral was necessary because defilement cases are capital offences.

After listening to the application, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs Tanimola, granted the request.

The Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. She also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward same to the DPP for prompt action.

In her ruling, Magistrate Tanimola noted that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to try the matter to conclusion. She stated that cases involving defilement under Section 137 are capital in nature and fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Lagos State.

The Magistrate adjourned the matter to a later date for mention and compliance with the remand order. She said the case would be returned to court after the DPP advice is received to determine the next step, including arraignment at the High Court.

Investigations into the case were handled by officers of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer was W/Inspr. Abosede Badru.

Legal experts who spoke to P.M.EXPRESS said the Lagos State Government has prioritized prosecution of sexual offences involving minors under the Child Rights Law and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, ACJL, 2021.

They noted that under the ACJL, the DPP is required to issue advice within a reasonable time to avoid delay in prosecution. They added that survivors in such cases are usually referred to government medical facilities and support services for care and counseling.

Child rights advocates in Lagos have continued to call for speedy trial of defilement cases and for parents to report incidents promptly to the police and relevant agencies.

Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

As at press time, the defendant remained in custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending transfer to the High Court for trial.