Man, 47, gets N300, 000 bail over alleged rape of 4-yr-old

An Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, yesterday, slammed a bail of N300, 000 on a 47-year-old man, Orire Agidiogun, who allegedly raped a four-year-old child. In addition, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, ordered that the accused should produce two sureties, who must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government. She said the sureties should also be blood relations of the accused. The accused, who resides at 51, Ifesowapo St., Maracana in Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on rape, and unlawful detention. Agidiogun pleaded not guilty to the charges. Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Soji Ojaokomo, had told the court that the accused committed the offences at 10.00 p.m. on October 8 at his apartment. According to him, the accused lured the minor to his room, where he had carnal knowledge of her. He said: “The accused was caught when the mother heard her daughter’s cry and she quickly alerted people around, who helped to apprehend him. The woman later reported the case to the police.” Ojaokomo noted that the offences contravened Sections 135, 137 and 144 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, if convicted, may be sentenced to life imprisonment. Further hearing in the case was adjourned to November 14