Man, 42, arraigned for allegedly raping co-tenant’s child in Lagos

A 42-year-old man, Solomon Odo, who allegedly raped his co-tenant’s child, was on Thursday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

A resident of 62, Alhaji Abasi St., Ogudu, Lagos, Odo is facing a two-count charge of child defilement and rape.

Prosecutor Simeon Imhonwa said the accused committed the offences on Aug. 9 at 7.00 p.m. at his residence.

He alleged that Odo defiled the nine-year-old after luring him to run an errand for him.

“Odo invited the minor into his room, locked the door and pounced on her.

“After touching her indecently, he had sexual intercourse with her, leaving her severely bruised.’’

Insp. Imhonwa said the accused was arrested after the minor’s mother had reported the case to the police.

The offences contravened Sections 135 and 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 137 prescribes life imprisonment for offenders.

Odo, however, denied all the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties should have landed property in Lagos State and adjourned trial till Sept. 30.