by Isi Esene

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were yesterday arraigned before the Mararaba Upper Area Court for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl.

The teenagers were said to gave raped the victim in an uncompleted building which served as their hide-out.

Police prosecutor, Nasir Shuaibu said the alleged crime was committed by the two suspects with the help of three others.

Shuaibu continued saying the case was first reported at the ‘A’ Division, Police Station in Mararaba, on December 11, when the incident happened.

According to him, the crime contravened Section 97 and Section 283 of the Penal Code.

The two suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the said crime.

Charles Acholor, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to grant the suspects bail since they were presumed innocent until proven guilty but Magistrate Vincent Gwahemba, who presided over the case, refused his application saying rape cannot be considered a minor offence.

Gwahemba reportedly ordered that they be remanded in Keffi Prison and adjourned the case to January 14, 2013.