By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin
A Benin Magistrate court sitting in Evbuoriaria in Benin City, Edo State has remanded one Esther Ehikioya to the Nigerian Correction Centre (NCC) for allegedly defiling a two-year-old girl and thereafter breaking the victim’s hymen.
Police prosecutor, Sgt. Osayi Patience told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 3rd 2020 in Catholic Intercessory Academy, Sepele Road in Benin City.
According to the two-count charge preferred against the accused, the prosecutor, said the offence is punishable under section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol.II Laws of the Defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable to Edo State.
The charge sheet read in parts: “that you Esther Ehikioya ‘F’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a girl, aged 2 years without her consent or even with the consent which is immaterial as to her age.
The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charges of inserting her finger in Child’s vagina.
The Presiding Magistrate, Dorothy Adamaigbo who handed out the ruling declined bail the defendant bail after listening to the defence counsel and adjourned the matter to April.
