An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate's Court has ordered the remand of a 36-year-old man, Kayode Adepoju, at a correctional centre over the alleged r@pe of a 14-year-old girl. The order was issued on Tuesday following an application by the police.
Prosecutor's submission
The prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adejare, told the court that there was probable cause to remand the defendant, who is reasonably suspected of r@ping the teenage girl. He said the alleged offence was committed within the Igede-Ekiti Magisterial District on June 21, 2026.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 31 of the Ekiti State Child Rights Law, 2021. He urged the court to grant the application for the defendant's remand pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Magistrate's ruling
The Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Awosika, declined to take the defendant's plea and ordered that he be remanded at the correctional centre pending legal advice from the DPP. She adjourned the case until July 31 for mention.
The suspect, Kayode Adepoju, was not given an opportunity to enter a plea, as the magistrate noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case until legal advice is received from the DPP.
