38-Year Old Man In Court For Sexually Abusing Girl

Ebute Meta Court
| credits: File copy

A 38-year-old man, Michael Edise, has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abusing the daughter of his neighbour.

Edise, who resides with the victim’s parents, on Fagbamu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, Lagos, was said to have inserted his finger into the private parts of the three-year-old.

The police told the court on Monday that the incident happened on Tuesday, last week, around 8pm.

On the fateful day, the neighbours were said to be interacting in the compound.

The victim’s parents reportedly left their child in Edise’s care and went inside for a while.

On returning, the three-year-old was said to have shown some discomfort and upon inquiry, told her parents the suspect allegedly inserted his finger in her private parts while they were away.

Her enraged parents were said to have reported the matter to the police.

Edise was subsequently arrested and arraigned on one count of sexual abuse.

The charge reads, “That you, Michael Edise, on July 29, 2014, at about 8pm at Fagbamu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did dip your finger into the private parts of one (name withheld), aged three years old.”

The police prosecutor, Etim Nkankuk, said the offence was punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2011.

The defendant said he was not guilty and elected summary trial.

His defence counsel, F.C. Osordi, prayed the court to grant him bail in liberal terms, citing Section 115 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State as basis.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Demi-Ajayi admitted him to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum.

She added, “The sureties must be gainfully employed and resident in Lagos. They must be at least 40 years of age and should deposit a refundable sum of N50, 000 into the Chief Registrar’s account. Their addresses and means of livelihood should be verified. One of the sureties must also be a blood relation of the defendant.”

The matter was adjourned till September 22, 2014 for trial.

Culled from PUNCH