Businessman charged for raping 13 year-old girl

Businessman charged for raping 13 year-old girl

The police in Lagos has arraigned a 35-year-old businessman, John Okwuchukwu before a Lagos Chief Magistrate's Court, sitting at Ebute Metta area of the state, for allegedly raping and impregnating  a thirteen- year-old girl.

Okwuchukwu, who live at 5, Abiodun Olawunmi street, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, was arraigned before the court on a two count charges of unlawful sexual intercourse, and sexual activity with the minor without her consent.

The police prosecutor, Etim Nkankuk, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told the court that the crime was committed between June 24 and August 28, at the residence of the accused.

Nkankuk also alleged that the accused and the parent of the victim were neighbours and that he used the opportunity that he lives in the same neighbourhood with the victim's parents to have sexual intercourse with the victim on many occasions.

He also said that the victim did not tell her parents of the unholy relationship, but the victim's mother later discovered and took the victim to hospital for medical checkup, where her pregnancy was confirmed.

Nkankuk stated that the victim's mother later reported the case at the police station and the accused was arrested.

According to the police the offence contravened Section 137 and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State,2011.

Though Okwuchukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges, he, however, promised to take care of the victim.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A. A. Demi-Ajayi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The court also ordered that the two sureties must deposit the sum of N30,000, each, into account of the Chief Registrar  of the Lagos State.

She further directed the court's prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

She adjourned the case till December 17, for further hearing.