by Akan Ido

Three men have been arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping a fourteen year old girl.

The suspects, Ijezie Chidiebere, 24; Okechukwu Ezea, 25 and Chikezie Ejesi, 25, were said to have raped the teenager on August 3, 2013  in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State.

According to the police, the suspects violated the victim (names withheld) “and in the process, destroyed her hymen.”

To cover up their deed, the suspects were said to have poured a liquid believed to be olive oil on the teenager telling those who had gathered that she was a witch who needed spiritual deliverance.

Some of the people, who were not convinced, alerted  policemen who arrested the trio.

The three men were arraigned on four counts of felony, rape and false representation.

Read the Nigerian Eye report below:

The charges read in part, “That you, Ijezie Chidiebere,m, Okechukewu Ezea, m, Chikezie Ejesi,m and others now at large on  August 3, 2013, at 9pm at No 8, Kekere-Ekun Street, Orile-Iganmu in the Lagos Magisterial District did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit defilement and administering of noxious substance.”

The prosecutor, Sergeant Qasim Adams, said the offences were punishable under Sections 409, 137,166(1)(D) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2011 and Section 247(b) of the Criminal Code of Law of Cap ‘C38’ Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

The men pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The magistrate, Mr. K.O Ogundare, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum.

He also instructed the police to transfer the matter to the Surulere Family Court where it would receive proper attention as the court lacked the jurisdiction to try the case.

The matter was adjourned till September 24.