Woman, 38, On Trial Over Alleged Assault On Minor

By Felix Kuyinu

The Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Ikeja has held a woman, Adaku Emeka, for prosecution over an alleged physical assault on an 11-year-old boy.

Emeka was accused of causing a severe bodily arm in the victim as well as subjecting him to various indescent and abusive treatment.

Police Prosecutor, Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that Emeka, who resides at Oseni Street in Oshodi area of the state is facing a one-count charge of indecent treatment of a child which she pleaded not guilty.

However, Ikhayere maintained that the defendant committed the offence on July 1 at her residence by burning the minor’s body with fire from a burning nylon and also hit his head on a hard object, causing visible swelling on both his head and body

The prosecutor also stated that the offence contravenes Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment for anyone found guilty of indecently dealing with a child.

The court Magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, granted Emeka bail in the sum of ₦280,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Owolabi ruled that the sureties must be gainfully employed and provide verifiable addresses.

The matter will be revisited at the court o August 28.