Man arraigned for raping six-year-old girl

Scavenger charged with stabbing neighbour over water
A twenty-seven-year-old John Akachi was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl. John, who resides at No. 27, Adesanyo Street, Isheri Idimu, was said to have allegedly raped the girl (name withheld) on July 12, 2014.

Prosecution witness, Mrs. Olorunlogbon, informed the court that she is a firewood seller and lives in the same compound with the defendant. She further told the court that on the day of the incident, she was in front of the house when a girl ran to her and alleged that someone was being raped in the defendant’s room and she is crying.

The witness informed the court that she ran to the room, knocked and opened the door only to see the girl’s pants soaked with blood. She said further that the defendant started begging her, but she told him he would do that in police custody.

Members of the public were asked to vacate the court gallery by the presiding judge, Justice Atinuke Ipaye, because the next witness was a minor. She said the order was necessary to allow her give her testimony before the defendant and lawyers.

In another development, a 23-year-scavenger, Aliyu Riyanu, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stabbing a man with a knife following an argument. The accused, who lives at 23, Bola Market St., Agege, is being tried for grievous harm.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed on March 7 at Moricas Bala Street, Agege. According to him, a fight ensued between the accused and Mustapha Abubakar over whose turn it was to fetch water.

“The accused took a knife and stabbed the complainant on the shoulder. The offence contravened Section 244 (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011,” he said.

The accused pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to March 30 for mention.