The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has recommended the trial of an employee of ExxonMobil, Ikenna Onuoha, charged with raping a 14-year-old niece of his tenant’s.
Mr Jamiu Alako, a senior counsel from the Office of the Public Defender, informed the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Tuesday that the recommendation by the DPP for the trial was ready.
“The case has been transferred to the State High Court, Igbosere,” he said.
The accused was arraigned on Jan. 14 on a four-count charge bordering on forcible unlawful sexual intercourse.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Ogunbowale, adjourned the case to April 19 for the court to be presented with documents confirming the transfer of the case from the Magistrates’ Court to the High Court.
She ordered that all pending applications should be filed before the High Court.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Mohammed Adamu, had urged the court to bar DPP from making public statements about the case.
“I apply that the DPP’s office should desist from going to the press. we are ready to take it up with any media house that carries any story outside the court,” he said. (NAN)