CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 35-year-old man, Onuoha Chidindu, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of unlawful restriction of personal liberty, abduction, and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.
According to the charge sheet, the Commissioner of Police is prosecuting the defendant on three counts contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecutor, CSP Sadiku Afolabi Ibrahim, told the court that the incident occurred on June 24, 2026, at about 7:30pm at Bankson Street Security Post, Liasu Road, Ikotun, within the Lagos State Magisterial District.
In Count One, the defendant was alleged to have, with intent to restrict movement, unlawfully deprived the victim of her personal liberty. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 272 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count Two, the prosecution alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant abducted the 12-year-old girl from the custody of her parents and kept her at the security post. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 269 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count Three, the defendant was also alleged to have sexually assaulted the minor. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge sheet was signed and presented by CSP Sadiku Afolabi Ibrahim. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was W/Insp Afolabi Janet of Ikotun Police Station.
However, 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.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered his remand in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice, which will determine jurisdiction.
Section 272 of the Lagos State Criminal Law deals with unlawful imprisonment or deprivation of personal liberty. Section 269 covers the offence of abduction of a child under 18 years from lawful custody. Section 137 relates to defilement of a child under 13 years.
The case highlights ongoing concerns by the Lagos State Police Command and child protection advocates about the safety of minors and the need for vigilance in residential areas. The Nigeria Police Force has in recent months intensified community policing and public awareness campaigns on reporting cases of abuse and suspicious activities around children.
Legal observers note that matters involving minors are usually handled with priority by the courts to ensure speedy trial while also protecting the identity and welfare of the child involved. Child rights organisations in Lagos have consistently called for stricter enforcement of the Child Rights Law and the Criminal Law to serve as deterrent.
Authorities have urged members of the public with useful information on cases involving children to report to the nearest police station or contact the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for support and referral services.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violence against children are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.