CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 28-year-old man, Ben Joseph, has been remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by a Lagos Magistrate Court over alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl in the Ojo area of Lagos State.
The defendant was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu on a two-count charge bordering on defilement and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.
The Prosecution, led by SP Philip Ademigbuji, told the court that the offence occurred on May 28, 2026 at Ilado Street, near Volks Bus Stop, Ojo.
According to the charge sheet, Joseph allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor and subsequently covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from crying for help during the incident.
The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 137 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 137 provides that any person who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a child is liable to life imprisonment upon conviction. Section 168(d) deals with acts likely to cause a breach of public peace.
When the matter was called, the prosecutor informed the court that legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice was being awaited.
Following the submission, the court did not take the plea of the defendant. The prosecutor told the court that the case file was being duplicated and would be forwarded to the DPP for review and legal advice.
After listening to the prosecutor, Chief Magistrate Kusanu ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
The Magistrate further directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and send it to the DPP and adjourned the matter for mention. The DPP’s advice will determine whether the case will be transferred to the High Court due to jurisdiction.
The case was investigated by Inspector Osungwu Maria of the Gender Section, Ikeja.
Legal experts note that defilement cases in Lagos are usually prosecuted by the DPP and often end up at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court. Conviction under Section 137 attracts a mandatory life sentence.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.