A chief magistrate court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has ordered the remand of a 60-year-old man, Samuel Gbadamosi in prison custody for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl whose name is unidentified.
The defendant was alleged to have committed the offence at Obasekola Street, Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenemhen, told the court that the defendant unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the victim when she came to collect a textbook from his daughter, who is her friend.
The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 357 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State Nigeria, 2006.
But the defendant pleaded non-guilty, claiming he did not force himself on the victim. He also said the victim agreed to have intercourse with him of her own volition.
‘I did not force the girl, both of us agreed to have sex,’ he said.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant at the correctional centre pending the issuance of advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The counsel to the defendant, P.A Amuluru, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, promising to provide concrete evidence and reliable sureties.
In her ruling, Magistrate O.R Yakubu ordered the remand of the defendant at Olokuta correctional centre, pending advice from the DPP.
She adjourned the case till April 27, 2023.
