Paedophile Remanded in Prison Custody Pending Bail Hearing
A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has ordered the remand in prison custody of an alleged paedophile, Njoku Chinonso Joseph, pending a hearing of his bail application.
Justice Abiola Sholadoye made the order after the arraignment of the defendant by the state government.
The state prosecutor, Olushola Soneye, informed the court that the state has three counts of charges against the defendant.
He urged the court to take the defendant’s plea.
Responding to the three count charges which borders on sexual assault, defilement and indecent treatment of minors, Njoku Chinonso Joseph pleaded not guilty.
Joseph’s counsel, Mr Olusegun Akanbi subsequently prayed for a liberal bail term.
However, the judge ordered him to file his bail application for a proper hearing.
The matter was then adjourned till March 12 for commencement of trial and hearing of bail application.
According to the charge information, Njoku Chinonso Joseph sometime between the year 2020 and 2021 at No 34 Ojo Street, Oguntade, Shasha, Lagos State sexually assaulted a nine-year-old minor, by inserting his penis into her on several occasions.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law Cap C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, if found guilty as a charge
