Kemisola Oye
JUSTICE Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has remanded a man, Godwin Uzodinma in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over alleged sexual assault by penetration and defilement of a minor.
Godwin was arraigned by the Lagos State government on a two-count charge boarding on sexual assault by penetration and defilement of a minor.
According to the charge, “Godwin Uzodinma sometime between 2017 and 2019 at No. 1b, Shongule Street, Ikeja, Lagos State in Ikeja Judicial Division sexually assaulted one (name withheld) age 11 years old by inserting your penis through her anus”
Also “Godwin Uzodinma sometime between 2017 and 2019 at No. 1b, Shonguke Street, Ikeja, Lagos State in Ikeja Judicial Division defile one (name withheld) age 11 by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her”
The defendant, Godwin pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel tendered a bail application dated 17 September 2024 with 7 7-paragraph affidavits and 3 exhibits praying the court to grant the defendant bail. One of the exhibits states the defendant’s health condition, and he also has responsible sureties.
The prosecutor counsel, B.E Okewo, countered that application with a 13-paragraph affidavit dated 11 November 2024 and also brought to the notice of the court that the defendant has an international passport and if the court must grant him bail, the defendant should surrender his passport.
Justice Rahman, in his ruling, carefully considered the alleged charges against the defendant, Godwin and also the possibility of his not being present in court to stand his trial.
“The charges against the defendant are severe as it Is sexual assault by penetration and defilement, I accept the affidavit and oral address by both parties and also I have considered the defence reason for his absence in court on 13 September 2024”
“ I, therefore, grant him fifty million bail, two responsible sureties which their business and residential address should be verified by the court registrar.
“Also his international passport should be submitted to this court”
Justice Rahman further adjourned the case to 19 and 20 February 2025 for trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media