A 41-year-old man has been arrested for engaging in inappropriate touching of a 13-year-old girl's breasts and raping her.

Story by Iyiola Ayomide

  Mr. Nonso Amaefule, a 41-year old man, has been apprehended and charged in Lagos State for allegedly touching the breasts of his neighbor's 13-year old daughter, forcing his finger into her private area, and sexually assaulting her. 

 This incident occurred at Ajegunle Street, Onipanu area of Ilupeju, Lagos where they both reside. The accused, Amaefule, purportedly enticed the girl into engaging in sexual activity by groping her breasts and penetrating her private area, causing the victim to feel disoriented and incapable of resisting him. He allegedly violated her on the floor of his room while her parents were absent. 

 When the victim regained her composure, she disclosed what had transpired to her parents, who promptly reported the incident to the Ilupeju Division of the Police. Subsequently, Amaefule was arrested and held in custody for questioning regarding his alleged behavior.

 During the interrogation, he refuted the accusation of defilement, while the survivor asserted that her undergarments were forcefully removed and she was forced to engage in sexual intercourse. 

 The police deemed him responsible for the offense and consequently charged him with statutory rape under the Criminal Laws of the State, which carries a sentence of several years imprisonment or even life imprisonment. 

 Nevertheless, the Court did not allow him to enter a plea when he was arraigned. This occurred in response to a motion made by the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, who requested that the Court refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice due to the seriousness of the offense. As a result, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, ordered his detention at the correctional center in Kirikiri town until the DPP's advice is provided. 

 Additionally, the prosecutor was directed to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP. The matter has been adjourned for mention, awaiting the report from the DPP, which will determine whether the case should be transferred to the High Court based on jurisdiction.