Man in court over alleged rape of 8-year-old girl

A trader, Uche Okoye, 30, on Tuesday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with raping an eight-year-old girl.

Okoye, who resides at Ajagbandi area of Lagos is facing a one-count charge of rape.

The prosecutor, SP Soji Ojaokomo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 2, at his residence.

He said that Okoye unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the girl without her consent.

“The accused lured the girl into his apartment and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her,’’ Ojaokomo said.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Section 137 provides that any person who has sexual intercourse with a child is guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till April 24, for mention.

VANGUARD