By Oyibo Salihu
Lokoja
A 36-year-old labourer, Aliyu Lawal, has been remanded in prison custody on the orders of the Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s court over alleged rape of his neighbour’s five-year-old niece.
Lawal was alleged to have lured the little girl into his room toperpetrate the heinous act, contrary to section 283 of the Penal Code Law.
According to the Prosecuting Police Officer, Sgt Friday Shaibu, who read the police first information report (PFIR), the matter was reported on January 17, at the Obajana Divisional Police headquarters by one Usman Zaki of Hausa Quarters, Obajana.
Shaibu told the court that, while the complainant was in his meat shop
in the market on January 16, Lawal “deceitfully” lured his niece, aged five years, into his room and forcefully had carnal knowledge of the small girl without her consent.
The prosecutor submitted that investigation into the case was in progress and asked for adjournment but opposed bail to the accused, saying he would commit similar offence, jeopardise police investigation and jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, ordered that the accused be remanded at Koton-Karfe prison, and transferred the case to Family Court II, Lokoja and adjourned to February 13 for mention.
