Man docked for allegedly raping 15-year-old neighbour

A 25-year-old Collins Ezekial, who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl and assaulted her with blows on Friday in Lagos appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates' Court.

The accused, who resides at the Government Residential Area (GRA) Ikeja, is facing trial on a two-count charge of forcefully having sexual intercourse and assault.

The prosecutor, DSP Etim Nkankuk, told the court that the offences were committed on Feb. 2, at about 12.15 p.m., at No. 19, Sowemimo St., GRA.

Nkankuk told the court that the accused assaulted his victim who was his neighbour by blowing her and then proceeded to forcefully have sexual intercourse with her.

"The accused was able to overpower the teenager before defiling her," Nkankuk said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 137 and 170 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 137 prescribes life imprisonment for offenders.

The accused entered a plea of innocence.

The chief magistrate, Mr Olatunbosun Abolarinwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned till March 10, for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).