A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a man, Samuel Gbadamosi, in prison for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl (name withheld).

The 60-year-old was alleged to have committed the offence on Obasekola Street, Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state. He was arraigned on one count of rape.

The police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenemhen, told the court that the defendant forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim when she came to collect a textbook from his (defendant) daughter, who was her friend.

The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 357 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006. But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, saying he did not force himself on the minor. He also said the teenager had intercourse with him on her own volition.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a custodial centre pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The counsel for the defendant, P.A. Amuluru, sought the bail of the defendant in liberal terms. The Magistrate, O.R. Yakubu, ordered the remand of the defendant in the Olokuta Custodial Centre pending advice from the DPP.

She adjourned the case till April 27, 2023.