Man 45, Arraigned In Lagos Court Over Alleged Assault & Theft 

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 45-year-old man, Afeez Adewale, was arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate Court on Monday over allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, assault and theft.

According to the charge sheet marked 12026, the Commissioner of Police is prosecuting Adewale in connection with an incident that occurred on May 17, 2026.

The prosecution alleged that the offences took place at about 3:00am in the Ajelanwa Area of Ipaja, within the Ikeja Magisterial District in Lagos State. The matter was however, filed before the Ogba court.

In the first count, the Police alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted one Jane Echenwodo by touching her without consent. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 263 (1)(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second count alleged that the defendant sexually harassed the same complainant. The charge was brought under Section 264 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In the third count, Adewale was accused of assaulting the complainant. The prosecution alleged that the action occurred during an attempt to kiss her and led to injuries. This offence is contrary to Section 170(1) and punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The fourth count alleged that the defendant stole one Tecno Phone Pro 5 valued at N65,000, property of Ms. Echenwodo. The prosecution said the phone was taken away during the incident.

The offence of stealing is contrary to and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The case was filed by SP Endurance Ovwigho, Divisional Police Officer, Ipaja, Lagos. The IPO listed on the charge sheet was Inspector Shittu Ayantoun of Ipaja Division.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the court for a date for hearing.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending perfection of his bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned for mention. Legal experts emphasize that every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Legal analysts note that Sections 263, 264 and 173 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015 were amended to impose stiffer penalties for sexual offences and assault. According to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, over 4,200 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were reported across the state in 2025, with many occurring during late-night hours. The agency has urged residents to report incidents promptly to the Police.

The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and urged members of the public to report cases of assault and theft to the nearest Police station.