Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
An Oyo State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ibadan has remanded a 41-year old man, Effon Etowa in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for allegedly defiling his three-year-old daughter.
The suspect was arraigned before the court on a one-count charge of rape, which is contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol 2, Laws of Oyo state, Nigeria, 2000.
Chief Magistrate Taiwo Oladiran ordered that the suspect be remanded in NSCDC custody at the State Headquarters, Agidi, Ibadan till July 16.
Etowa was remanded in NSCDC custody due to his non admittance at the Correctional Centre, Agodi, Ibadan as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
Briefing the newsmen after the Court proceedings, the state NSCDC Commandant, CC Iskilu Akinsanya, said the suspect was charged for defilement by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, an offence contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Volume 2 Law of Oyo State Nigeria, 2000
He added that two other suspects, Morufu Amusat, 38y and Akanmu Michael, 52, were also remanded at the Correctional Centre, Agodi for similar case of alleged defilement of minors before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Meanwhile, over 165 cases have already been treated by the Unit and newly established Gender Unit in the course of the year, ranging from child Neglect, Assault and child Abuse, child labour, physical assault, wife absconding with children, disobedient child, trafficking, sexual harassment and attempted rape.
He noted that the Unit had been working in conjunction with the Ministry of Women affairs, sexual gender based violence response team and Rapid Response team, both in Oyo State Ministry of Women affairs and Ministry of Justice.
Oyo State Commandant of NSCDC frowned at the issue of rape, defilement, incest, and all general abuse on the child and female gender.
“Anybody caught in the act of molesting or rape will face full wrath of the law. Parents and guardians should monitor their children and wards, especially women, should randomly check on their children,” he said.
Akinsanya also warned cultists and other criminal elements in the state to relocate as Oyo NSCDC and sister agencies would deal with anybody that wanted to disrupt the peace being enjoyed by the good people of Oyo State.
He cautioned the people of the state against dumping of refuse or building along waterways.