Man, 41, Docked For Alleged Rape Of 72-Year-Old Woman In Lagos 

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 41-year-old man, Adeniyi Matthew, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly raping a 72-year-old woman in the Mosafejo area of Agbowa, Lagos State.

Matthew was arraigned on Charge No. cxfmisato 113/26 before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola of the Lagos Magisterial District on a one-count charge of rape, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 260 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the defendant committed the offence on the 5th day of August, 2026 at about 2:00pm at Mosafejo Area, Agbowa, within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Magisterial District.

The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that Adeniyi Matthew unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a 72-year-old woman without her consent.

ASP Ihehie said the offence contravenes Section 260 of the Lagos Criminal Law which prescribes life imprisonment upon conviction. She added that the law was enacted to protect vulnerable persons including women, children and the elderly from sexual violence.

The Court did not take the plea of the defendant after the prosecutor asked the Court to refer the matter to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.

After listening to the submissions, Magistrate Tanimola ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. The magistrate held that the offence is one that falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court for trial.

The matter was investigated by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer was Cpl. Osho Adetola of the Gender Section. The case was brought under the supervision of CSP. Omolola Odutola.

Sexual violence against elderly persons has continued to attract condemnation from rights groups and government agencies in Lagos. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has stated repeatedly that age is not a barrier to sexual assault and that perpetrators will be prosecuted regardless of the age of the victim.

Community leaders in Agbowa described the incident as disturbing. They called on residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities to security agencies. They also urged families to check on elderly relatives living alone to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, has intensified advocacy and prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence cases across the state. Officials say the aim is to ensure justice for survivors and to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Legal experts noted that rape cases are usually transferred to the High Court after arraignment at the magistrate court. The DPP advice will determine the next step in prosecution and whether the case will proceed to trial.

The Nigeria Police Force, through the Gender Section, reiterated its commitment to investigating all cases of sexual violence and ensuring that victims receive support and protection. The police urged members of the public to report cases of abuse promptly to the nearest police station.

Human rights advocates noted that elderly survivors of sexual assault often face stigma and health complications. They called for more community education and for families to create safe environments for senior citizens.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.