By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
A Family Magistrate’s Court at Oke-Eda, Akure, has ordered the remand of two men, Phillip Onyema, 37 and Adenowo Kehinde, 50, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, for allegedly defiling a 13-year old girl.
The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of child defilement.
The police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the defendants committed the offence around 10 pm on October 23, 2023, in Owo, Ondo State.
Olowofeso alleged that the accused lured 13-year old Adenegan Ayomikun, inserted fingers into her private parts and defiled her without her consent.
He stated that the girl was rescued by neighbours who heard her screams. But by the time they came to her aid, the defendants had already molested her.
The charge stated, “That you, Phillip Onyema, 37, and Adenowo Kehinde, 50, on October 23, 2023, in Owo, Ondo State, unlawfully defiled Adenegan Ayomikun, aged 13, by inserting your fingers into her private parts, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The plea of the defendant was not taken.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Senior Magistrate Folasade Aduroja ordered the remand of the defendants at the correctional centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
She adjourned the case until November 15, for further mention.