Court Orders Remand of Suspect in Child Sexual Assault Case
A 37-year-old man, Joseph Olasope, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following allegations of sexually assaulting a three-year-old pupil at a school in Lagos. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for better child protection measures in educational institutions.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The case was heard at the Chief Magistrate's Court in Ikeja on Tuesday, where Chief Magistrate M. F. Onamusi ordered the remand of the suspect without taking his plea. According to the prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Adegoke Ademigbuji, the alleged offense occurred on October 8 at a school located on Kareem Olanrewaju Street in Badagry, Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that Joseph Olasope, who resides at No. 35, Oladimeji Street, Aguda, Surulere, was visiting the school when the incident took place. He was allegedly caught inserting his finger into the private part of the three-year-old pupil, an act that constitutes sexual assault under Nigerian law.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The court has adjourned the case until December 10 to await advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This is a standard procedure in serious criminal cases where the magistrate court requires guidance from the DPP on how to proceed with the matter.
The offense is being prosecuted under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which deals specifically with sexual assault and carries severe penalties for convicted offenders. The decision to remand the suspect in custody reflects the seriousness with which the court is treating the allegations.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns about child safety in Nigerian schools and the need for stricter security measures to protect vulnerable children from predators. Education stakeholders and child rights advocates continue to call for comprehensive background checks for all individuals with access to school premises.
