By Chinyere Omeire
An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, on Tuesday ordered that the case file of a 58-year-old man, Sunday Akpan, charged with defiling his 10-year-old step daughter be forwarded to the High Court.
Magistrate K. O. Doja-Ojo, who gave the order said the Director of Public Prosecutions legal advice stated that the defendant had a case to answer.
She, however, advised that the file be sent to the high court for onward assignment to a judge.
The defendant who resides in Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos, is standing trial on a count charge of defilement.
He was first arraigned on Dec. 17, 2018, but his plea was not taken because the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Peace Chukwudi, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. at 1004 building, Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
She said that the defendant sexually assaulted his 10-year-old step daughter.
The offence, he said contravened the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecutor had urged the court to remand the accused in prison pending the outcome of the legal advice of the DPP. (NAN)