Fashion Designer Remanded For Allegedly Raping 13-Yr-Old Girl
A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun on Thursday, ordered the remand of a 30-year-old fashion designer, Abdul Sodiq, for allegedly having carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, said the defendant did indecently assault one Rukayat Olajide by having unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
Adeoye told the court that the accused person committed the offence on September 11, 2020 at about 8:00 pm at Sabo area, Osogbo.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened section 360 of the Criminal Code Cap 34. Vol. II, Laws of Osun State 2002.
Defence counsel, Okobe Nagite, applied for the bail of the accused person on a liberal term.
Nagite said the suspect was ready to stand trial.
The counsel said she relied on Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, saying that the suspect is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven.
Adeoye, the police prosecutor, opposed the bail of the accused person on the ground that rape case was rampant in the state and across the country.
He argued that the suspect would jump bail if granted, explaining that the victim is a young girl, and no one can say who might be the next victim.
Reacting to the objection of the police, Najite said granting of bail is a constitutional right of every accused person standing trial before any court of law.
She said the court has the discretionary power to grant bail, just as he prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail.
The Magistrate, Opeyemi Badmus ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre.
Opeyemi, however, adjourned the case till October 14, 2020 for hearing and ruling on bail.
