Two Suspects Remanded Over Alleged Defilement Of Minors

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Two suspects, Emeka Chidi Innocent, 22, and Ayodele John, 38, have been arrested and charged before Magistrate Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure, Ondo State, for alleged defilement of minors. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the defendants were arraigned before the court on 21st April, 2026 and remanded following the conclusion of preliminary investigations by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ondo State Command.

 

According to the charge sheet, the two men are being prosecuted in separate cases but were arraigned on the same day due to the similarity of the alleged offences involving sexual abuse of underage victims.

 

The NSCDC spokesperson in the state, SC Daniel Aidamenbor, disclosed that the alleged offences were committed on 3rd March and April 14, 2026, in different locations within Akure metropolis.

 

Aidamenbor explained that the Corps’ Anti-Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration and Gender Unit received petitions from the families of the victims, which prompted swift investigation, medical examination of the minors, and the eventual arrest of the suspects.

 

“After thorough investigation and gathering of credible evidence, including medical reports and witness statements, the suspects were charged to court” Aidamenbor stated.

 

During the arraignment, the prosecution told the court that a prima facie case had been established against both Emeka Chidi Innocent and Ayodele John. The defendants’ pleas were not taken because the court lacks jurisdiction to try the offences.

 

The Presiding Magistrate, having reviewed the evidence presented by the NSCDC prosecutor, ordered that the two suspects be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Ondo State.

 

The court further directed that the case files be duplicated and forwarded to the DPP for advice, noting that the alleged offences of defilement contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State and are punishable with life imprisonment upon conviction.

 

The matters were subsequently adjourned to 5th May and 21st May, 2026, respectively, for mention pending the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice.

 

The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences face the full weight of the law.