Man, 27, Arraigned For Raping 4-Year-Old Orphan

Posted by admin Headlines Friday, June 3rd, 2011

A 27-year-old man, Gbenga Ojo, was yesterday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates Court for allegedly defiling a 4-year-old girl, Idowu Ogunleye.

According to the charge sheet, Ojo was said to have had carnal knowledge of the little girl who is an orphan on May 30, 2011 in Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti.

The offence is punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Volume II, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 1978 as applicable in Ekiti State.

The courtroom was filled to capacity by members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), women groups, court workers, journalists and other members of the public.

But hearing of the case could not go on as scheduled because the accused person did not have any counsel to defend him in the case.

When asked by the trial Chief Magistrate, Mrs. M. Aina if he (Ojo) would need a counsel to stand for him in the trial, the accused person answered in the affirmative.

The magistrate advised the accused person to inform prison officials to help him get a counsel ahead of the next appearance as well as legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mrs. Aina subsequently adjourned hearing to June 16 and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.wp_posts