LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A 39-year-old man identified as Innocent Etolue has allegedly sexually assaulted his 15-year-old apprentice around Iworo Street, Coker Aguda area of Lagos State.
The suspect is said to have kept up with the act of attempted forceful penetration of his genitals into the victim’s, from September 2022 till February 2023.
Etolue was apprehended by the Lagos State Police Command and charged to court with Inspector Yemi Raji as the IPO in charge.
On 20 March, Etolue was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. B.O Osusanmi at the Ogba Magistrate court, facing a four-count charge.
The charge against the accused reads: Count 1: “That you, Innocent Etolue ‘M’ sometimes in September 2022 to 25 February, 2023 at about unknown time at No.6, Iworo Street, Coker Aguda, Lagos magisterial district did unlawfully and indecently deal with one 15 -Year-Old and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 135 of the criminal Law of Lagos State Of Nigeria 2015”.
Count 2: “That you, Innocent Etolue ‘M’ on the same date, time and place at the aforesaid Magisterial District did sexually assault a 15-Year-Old and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 263 of the criminal Law of Lagos State Of Nigeria 2015”.
Count 3: “That you, Innocent Etolue ‘M’ on the same date, time and place at the aforesaid Magisterial District did sexually harass a 15-Year-Old and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 264 of the criminal Law of Lagos State Of Nigeria 2015”.
Count 4: “That you, Innocent Etolue ‘M’ on the same date, time and place at the aforesaid Magisterial District did infringe on the rights of dignity of a 15- Year-Old by subjecting him to physical assault, mental or emotional torture and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 265 of the criminal Law of Lagos State Of Nigeria 2015”.
The Defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Mrs. Osusanmi granted the defendant bail of N200,000 and two sureties from reputable companies, tax-payers with verifiable addresses.
The case was adjourned till 8 June 2023, for trial.