A private lesson teacher identified as Michael has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre by an Ogudu Magistrates' Court in Lagos over allegations that he sexually assaulted his 15-year-old female student in the Ketu area. The remand order was issued nearly two weeks after the case first drew public attention, following claims by the teenager's family that some police officers attempted to pressure them into dropping the case.
Arraignment delayed after suspect collapses
The suspect was initially scheduled to be arraigned on July 15 in the presence of the survivor and her mother. However, the court proceedings were abruptly halted when Michael reportedly collapsed shortly before the hearing. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abimbola Adebisi, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command, explained that the suspect was immediately taken to the Lagos State Emergency Hospital at Toll Gate and later transferred to Gbagada General Hospital for further treatment. She stated that the court process was delayed solely because he was receiving medical care and needed to be certified fit to stand trial.
By July 28, Adebisi confirmed that the suspect had been formally arraigned. "The suspect has been arraigned before the Ogudu Magistrates' Court and remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre," she said. She added that the case has been adjourned until August 24 for hearing.
Family alleges police attempted to settle case
Before the arraignment, the survivor's mother, Mrs. Zainab Musa, alleged that some officers handling the matter tried to persuade her family to accept ₦200,000 and withdraw the complaint instead of pursuing prosecution. The allegation sparked public concern and prompted calls from child rights advocates for a transparent investigation.
Responding to the claim earlier, CSP Adebisi denied that any officer attempted to frustrate the case, describing the accusation as "a mere allegation." She maintained that the investigation remained active and that the suspect would face prosecution once medically fit to appear in court.
Rights group seeks swift prosecution
The case also attracted the attention of Ololade Ajayi, founder of the DOHS Cares Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that supports survivors of gender-based violence and monitors femicide cases. Following reports that the suspect had been hospitalised after collapsing, Ajayi urged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the suspect did not evade justice because of the medical delay.
"We call on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the suspect is not allowed to escape justice due to this medical incident. The survivor and her family deserve a speedy and fair trial," Ajayi said.
What the suspect is accused of
According to earlier reports, the suspect is alleged to have sexually assaulted the teenager on multiple occasions at the tutorial centre where he taught her. It is also alleged that he threatened the girl to stop her from disclosing the incidents. These allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the suspect has not entered a plea publicly. As of the time of filing this report, neither the suspect nor a legal representative acting on his behalf had made any public statement responding to the allegations.
