A 20-year-old man, Daniel Obasiku, has been remanded in prison by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl.
He was brought by the police before a presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. T. Akanni, on one count of rape.
It was learnt that Obasiku and the victim’s parents were neigbours on Adaranijo Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga.
It was gathered that the girl was with her mother, who sells food outside the premises, when Obasiku lured her into his room.
The woman reportedly noticed semen in her daughter’s private parts the following morning when she wanted to bathe her.
After probing the girl, she was said to have confided in her mother, who informed Child Network Protection, a rights group in the area.
One of the coordinators of the group, Toyin Oklahgogo, said the case was subsequently reported to the police at the Pedro division and the suspect was arrested.
“As a group, we don’t want the matter swept under the carpet. We would like the Office of Public Defender to intervene. The victim’s mother is now pleading that the matter should be settled amicably,” he said.
The magistrate, Akanni, held that Obasiku should be remanded in prison and directed that the case file be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The case was adjourned till February 8, 2017.