A 45-year old man, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed Dandatijo, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly luring his neighbour’s 8-year old girl, defiling her and thereafter giving her N50 in order not to tell anyone about it.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at No. 54 Baale Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, where they reside.
After his arrest, he was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate Court sitting in Tinubu, Lagos Island, for defilement under the Criminal Laws of the State.
The arraignment followed a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered for an investigation. The defendant was then arrested and detained for interrogation over the alleged offence.
During investigation, it was discovered through findings that the defendant, Dandatijo, allegedly lured the minor into his apartment, where he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
Having satisfied himself, he was said to have given the child N50 and warned her not to reveal what had happened.
However, the matter leaked when the girl’s mother observed behavioural changes in her daughter and on further inquiry, she reportedly found physical evidence of abuse, including traces of blood and semen. The child later identified the suspect, known locally as “Alhaji,” as the person responsible.
The Police found him culpable after thorough interrogation and charged him before the Court for defilement and engaging in a conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. And the offences are contrary to the provisions of Sections 137 and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
The prosecuting officer, Supol Ibrahim Haruna, told the Court that the alleged act was committed without the victim’s consent and that the suspect attempted to suppress disclosure through a monetary inducement.
The Presiding Magistrate, N.A.S. Wahab, ordered his remand in custody at the correctional center pending the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned till 25th July, 2025, for mention 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.