A Magistrate Court, sitting in Oyingbo, Ebute Metta, Lagos, has remanded a suspect (names withheld) in Kirikiri Correctional Facility over the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old niece (names withheld), committed at Ayobo area of the state.
The arrest of the suspect came following a distress call on social media from a popular comedienne and child rights advocate, popularly called Princess, over the alleged defilement.
Subsequently, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, swooped into action and arrested the suspect for prosecution.
The Permanent Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Adeniyi-Vivour, while commenting on the incident, stressed that the agency will continue to reinforce its commitment to ensuring justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Adeniyi-Vivour recalled that “On January 31, 2025, the agency received a distress call from popular comedienne and child rights advocate, Princess, regarding the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old girl by her uncle, a carpenter residing in Ayobo.”
Upon receiving the report, DSVA immediately escalated the case to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ayobo Police Station.
That same night, the survivor was rescued and placed in a safe shelter through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) and was referred for medical attention whilst the alleged perpetrator was arrested.
The case was subsequently transferred to the Gender Desk for further investigation.
Consequently, on February 7, 2025, the case was heard at the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court, Oyingbo, before Magistrate O.M. Ajayi.
The charges were read in court, and the alleged perpetrator pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, therefore, ordered his remand at Kirikiri Correctional Facility pending the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice.
The case has been adjourned to February 19, 2025.
“DSVA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
“We urge members of the public to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through our toll-free helpline 08000–333–333 or via our social media platforms,” Adeniyi-Vivour stated.
