Court remands man in prison over alleged rape

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a suspected rapist, Solomon Adetunji, 30, in prison custody over alleged rape of a nine-year-old girl.

Police prosecutor, Emmanuel David, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 14, 2013 at about 3p.m. in Ifaki-Ekiti of Ido-Osi Local Government Area.

He alleged that the accused had on the fateful day raped the minor and this led to her being hospitalised.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offence contravened Section 31(2) of the Child Rights Act, Laws of Ekiti State, 2007.

The prosecutor added that he had sent the case file to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

The plea of the accused was not taken due to the nature of the offence.

However, the defence counsel, Mr. Chris Omokhafe, prayed the court to grant bail to his client as the two parties were trying to settle the matter amicably.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Simeon Ojo, expressed concern at the increasing incidents of rape in the state.

“I must say that I am particularly worried at the growing trend of offences of rape, indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge in this state.

“I find it hard to accept the prayer of the defence counsel for bail for the accused person,’’ he added.

Ojo ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending receipt of the DPP’s legal advice.

The chief magistrate adjourned the case till December5, 2013 for further hearing.

Source