Court remands man, 22, in prison over alleged rape of girl, 14

An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ court sitting at Ibadan on Friday, remanded in prison custody one Lawani Oseni, 22, for alleged rape of a 14-year old girl.

Oseni’s plea, however, was not taken.

Chief Magistrate, O. Adisa, in his ruling said the court has no jurisdiction to preside over the case, but remanded the defendant at Agodi Prison.

Adisa thereafter, adjoined the matter till August 27.

Lawani, a cattle herder, of undisclosed address, was in court on one-count charge of rape.

The police prosecutor, ASP Ade Adebusuyi, told the court that the accused on Aug. 5, at about 12 noon, was alleged to have had unlawful canal knowledge of one 14- year old girl, without her consent.

Adebusuyi said: “The victim was said to be hawking sachet water and Lawani, who was rearing his cattle, stopped her on the pretext that he wanted to buy.

“Lawani in the process allegedly had unlawful canal knowledge of her without her consent in the forest.

“The victim was alleged to have been deflowered by the defendant in the process, she shouted and called for help, and farmers in a nearby farm came to her rescue.

“The victim was rescued and the defendant arrested, while the matter was reported at Idi-Ayunre Police Station, Ibadan.’’

According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State 2000. (NAN)