Reports say the two suspects followed Essient into her house at Railway Line, Otto in Ebute-Meta, held her mouth to prevent her from shouting and had their way with her.

Neighbours were, however, attracted by the victim’s call for help. Adedeji was caught putting on his trousers while his accomplice escaped.

His accomplice allegedly grabbed N10,000 under the victim’s pillow before fleeing.

The police claimed that the accused, who was arraigned on six counts of felony, assault, rape, stealing, also gave them false information about his name and address.

The charge sheet read in part, “That you, (Daniel) Adedeji Michael, m, and one other person at large on the 14th day of July, 2013 at about 1600hrs at Railway Line, Otto, Ebute-Meta in the Lagos Magisterial District did conspire to commit felony, to wit rape and stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, 2011.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and elected to be tried for the offences at the magistrate’s court.

His defence counsel pleaded that he be granted bail in liberal terms.

The magistrate, Aje Afunwa, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum. The case was later adjourned till October 2.