An Islamic cleric, Alfa Murtala Oyedeji, has been arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate’s  Court for raping a  12-year old girl (names withheld).

The 40-year old father of two was alleged to have sneaked into the victim’s parents’ room  and forcibly had canal knowledge of her.

The incident happened at their resident at 109, Igando Road, Ikotun, Lagos, Nigeria, one  afternoon when the parents of the victim were at work.

P.M.NEWS gathered that Oyedeji was a friend of the family and had always visited them  because he lives in the next building.

On the day of the incident, the defendant had entered into the house and forcibly dragged  the girl to her mother’s bed and forcefully had sex with her. The victim’s brother reported  the matter to their mother and she confronted the defendant.

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The embittered mother went to the police at Ikotun division and reported the incident after  which Oyedeji was arrested and charged to court for rape.

The charge read: “That you Alfa Muritala Oyedeji did have canal knowledge of the victim on  her mother’s bed.

The offence, the police said is contrary to section 218 and 351 of the criminal code cap 17  vol.2 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. S.O. Solebo granted him  bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

The matter has been adjourned till 22 September, 2010 for trial while the defendant has been  remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Apapa, Lagos as he could not meet the bail  conditions in good time.