For allegedly defiling his employer’s seven-year-old daughter, 38-year-old driver, John Chidiebere, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
He was, however, released on a N500, 000 bail with two sureties as part of the bail condition.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, who gave the ruling, said one of the sureties should be gainfully employed, while the other should own a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
She said the sureties should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
The accused, whose address was not given, is facing a charge of child defilement.
Chidiebere, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in July at No. 50, Palace St., Ogunfayo Estate, Eputu in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos.
He said the accused forcefully had a carnal knowledge of the girl and threatened to kill her if she told anybody.
“The girl, however, told her parents and the case was reported to the police and the accused was arrested.”
The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).
The section prescribes life sentence for offenders.
The court adjourned the case until November 20 for mention.
(Source: NAN)