Court remands man over alleged defilement of wife’s niece

An Oyo State Family Court, Ibadan, has remanded a 33-year-old man, Happiness Opeyemi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre over an alleged defilement of his wife’s 10-year-old niece.

The defendant was arraigned on Friday to face a one-count charge of rape.

The prosecuting counsel, Insp Adenike Adeyemi, told the court that the defendant, in 2023, had unlawful sexual intercourse with his wife’s niece staying with them.

Adeyemi said the offence was allegedly committed in their home in Onila Olomiyeye area of Ibadan.

She said the offence contravened Section 34 of the Oyo State Child Rights Law, 2006

The Magistrate, Mrs Serifat Adesina, did not, however, take the defendant’s plea due to lack of jurisdiction.

She ordered his remand pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till March 11 for mention.