CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 37-year-old man, Ayomide Olanrewaju, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Lagos over the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. M.O. Tanimola on charge number GE/MISC/183/92/26, filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, the alleged incident occurred between the months of May 2026 and July 2026, at Baale Animashaun Road, Alakuko area of Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant had unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor, an offence said to be punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The case was filed through the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Bunmi Odejobi, of the Gender Section, and was presented in court by the prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie.
When the case came up for mention, the plea of the defendant was not taken.
The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court explained that the charge of defilement is a serious one that is beyond the jurisdiction of the Magistrate Court to finally determine, hence the need to await DPP’s advice before further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned pending the issuance of the DPP’s advice, which will determine whether the case will be transferred to the High Court for trial.
Cases of alleged defilement of minors have been a recurring concern in Lagos State in recent times, prompting the Lagos State Government and the Police to strengthen enforcement and awareness efforts.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly stated its zero-tolerance policy for sexual offences, particularly those involving children, and has urged residents to report such incidents to the Gender Section of the Police Command, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), or other relevant authorities.
Under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, defilement of a child is a serious felony that carries a severe penalty upon conviction. The law defines a child as any person under the age of 18 years and provides strict protection for minors against any form of sexual exploitation.
The Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, which investigated the matter, is the specialized unit responsible for handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including defilement, rape, and domestic violence.
Police authorities have also advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and to closely monitor the activities and whereabouts of their children, as well as the individuals they associate with, to prevent cases of sexual abuse.
The court is expected to continue proceedings in the matter upon receipt of the DPP’s legal advice.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction. The identity of the minor is protected by law and has been withheld.