A 38-year-old man, Michael Edise, has been
arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abusing
the daughter of his neighbour.
Edise, who resides with the victim’s parents, on Fagbamu
Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, Lagos, was said to have inserted his finger
into the private parts of the three-year-old.
The police told the court on Monday that the
incident happened on Tuesday, last week, around 8pm.
On the fateful day, the neighbours were said to be
interacting in the compound.
The victim’s parents reportedly left their child in
Edise’s care and went inside for a while.
On returning, the three-year-old was said to have
shown some discomfort and upon inquiry, told her parents the suspect allegedly
inserted his finger in her private parts while they were away.
Her enraged parents were said to have reported the
matter to the police.
Edise was subsequently arrested and arraigned on
one count of sexual abuse.
The charge reads, “That you, Michael Edise, on July
29, 2014, at about 8pm at Fagbamu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, in the Lagos
Magisterial District, did dip your finger into the private parts of one (name
withheld), aged three years old.”
The police prsecutor, Etim Nkankuk, said the
offence was punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State,
Nigeria 2011.
The defendant said he was not guilty and elected
summary trial.
His defence counsel, F.C. Osordi, prayed the court
to grant him bail in liberal terms, citing Section 115 of the Administration of
Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State as basis.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Demi-Ajayi admitted
him to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She added, “The sureties must be gainfully employed
and resident in Lagos. They must be at least 40 years of age and should deposit
a refundable sum of N50, 000 into the Chief Registrar’s account. Their
addresses and means of livelihood should be verified. One of the sureties must
also be a blood relation of the defendant.”
The matter was adjourned till September 22, 2014
for trial.
Source: Punch
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