MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 63-year-old man, Olajide Michael, was on Wednesday arraigned before the Lagos State Magisterial Court sitting in the Lagos Magisterial District over allegations involving a 10-year-old girl.
The charge sheet was filed by the Commissioner of Police. The proceedings took place at the Magisterial Court in Lagos State and attracted the attention of residents within the Isolo area.
According to the charge presented in court, the alleged incidents were said to have occurred on different dates between January and May, 2026. The prosecution told the court that the matter was reported at the Police station after the alleged incidents came to light.
The location stated in the document is No. 8, Shodende Street, Isolo, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The address was listed as the place where the alleged offences were committed.
The defendant faces multiple counts bordering on serious offences. The first count alleged unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, an offence said to be contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Another count in the charge alleged a separate sexual offence, said to be punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The prosecution maintained that the law provides stringent punishment for such offences to serve as deterrence.
A third count borders on an allegation of threat to life. The prosecution stated that it is punishable under Section 56(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The name of the complainant, a minor, was listed in the charge. For the protection and privacy of the child, further identifying details have been withheld in line with journalistic and legal standards on reporting cases involving minors.
The case was brought before the court by Police authorities from Ilupeju Police Station, Lagos. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Inspector Adunola Omolayo, who handled the investigation and presented the case file in court.
However, the Court did not take the plea of the defendant following a motion moved by the Prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie. The prosecutor asked the Court to refer the matter to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and further directives.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, after listening to the submission, ordered the remand of the defendant in custody at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention to enable the court receive the DPP’s report, which will determine the appropriate jurisdiction for trial.
Lagos State law provides strict penalties for offences involving minors. The relevant sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State cover sexual offences against children and threats to life, and have been strengthened over the years to protect children.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. They added that the referral to the DPP is a standard procedure in cases of this nature before arraignment at a higher court.
For support on child protection issues, contact Lagos DSVRT on 08000-333-333.
