A 21-year-old man who allegedly defiled the two-year-old daughter of his father’s tenant, has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The accused, Justice Seun, who resides at Abebi Street, Ogudu, is facing a one-count charge of child defilement.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecuting Inspector Simon Imhonwa told the court that the offence was committed on September 7 at noon at the accused’s residence.
He said Seun, who is the son of the Landlord inserted his finger into the private part of the two-year-old daughter of a tenant.
Imhonwa said the accused lured the child into his room and defiled her.
According to him, the case was reported to the police after the child’s mother raised an alarm following the child’s complaint of discomfort.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the arraignment, the father of the child, Mr Umoh, told the court that he would like to withdraw the case.
“I don’t want a court case. The family has begged for forgiveness,” Umoh said.
But Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi said that the matter can no longer be withdrawn.
“This case cannot be withdrawn; it is not in your jurisdiction any more. It is the state’s. The case will go to trial,’’ Osunsanmi said.
She granted the accused bail with two sureties and adjourned the case till November 30.