38-year-old man arraigned for defiling 3-year-old girl

A 38-year-old man, Michael Edise, has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abusing the daughter of his neighbour.

Edise, who resides with the victim’s parents, on Fagbamu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, Lagos, was said to have inserted his finger into the private parts of the three-year-old.

The police told the court on Monday that the incident happened on Tuesday, last week, around 8pm.

On the fateful day, the neighbours were said to be interacting in the compound.

The victim’s parents reportedly left their child in Edise’s care and went inside for a while.

On returning, the three-year-old was said to have shown some discomfort and upon inquiry, told her parents the suspect allegedly inserted his finger in her private parts while they were away.

Her enraged parents were said to have reported the matter to the police.

Edise was subsequently arrested and arraigned on one count of sexual abuse.

The charge reads, “That you, Michael Edise, on July 29, 2014, at about 8pm at Fagbamu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did dip your finger into the private parts of one (name withheld), aged three years old.”

The police prosecutor, Etim Nkankuk, said the offence was punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2011.