Justice

A 23-year-old block moulder, Daniel Ezekiel, who allegedly defiled a 13-year-old food vendor, was on Monday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendant, who resides at Elegushi area of Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement.

His plea was not taken.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Peace Chukwudi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan. 30, at 3.00 p.m. at Ikate Elegusi, Lekki, Lagos.

He said that the defendant unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the girl.

According to the prosecutor, the girl went to the defendant to collect her money for a plate of food he earlier bought but the defendant instead of paying, raped her.

The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 137 provides life imprisonment for anyone convicted of rape.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs K. O. Doja-Ojo, remanded the defendant in prison and ordered that the file should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

The case was adjourned until Feb. 27 for DPP’s legal advice.