18th November, 2010
For allegedly raping a nine-year old girl, a 45-year old man, Simple Abasa, has been charged to Isolo Magistrate’s Court.
Abasa was alleged to have raped the daughter of his in-law (names withheld) and injured her in the process.
The incident happened at 3, Christ The King Street, Jakande, Lagos State, where the suspect lives.
The father of five children reportedly had canal knowledge of the girl when other members of the family had gone out.
The father of the victim, P.M.NEWS gathered, took the girl to his in-law’s house when he travelled to his village in Edo state to visit his wife who had gone there to deliver their baby.
Neighbours got wind of the incident when the girl started complaining of pains in her private part and cannot walk properly. When she started crying, their neighbours asked her what happened. She told them she had been raped by her uncle, but warned her not to tell any one.
The neighbours beat the suspect mercilessly and was taken to Ejigbo Police Station. The police subsequently charged him to court for rape.
The police said he committed an offence contrary to Section 221 of the criminal Code, Cap 17, vol. 2 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.
He denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The magistrate judge,  Mr. W. A. O Menigno, granted him bail with the sum of N75,000 with two responsible sureties.
The matter has been adjourned till 6 December 2010, while the defendant was remanded  in the prison custody until he meets his bail conditions.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe
