Suspected sex offender docked in Lagos

(Nigeria) A suspected sex offender, 21-year-old Moshood Oyefeso, was on Tuesday charged before a Tinubu Magistrate Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of a mobile phone and sexual assault.

Oyefeso, a carpenter, who lives at No. 302, Igbosere Road on Lagos Island, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and sexual assault.

The prosecutor, SP Austin Orji, told the court that the accused committed the offences on January 24 at 9.00 p.m. opposite City Hall on the island.

He said the accused had accosted the complainant (names withheld) while she was going to buy Indomie for her mother and dragged her into a nearby bush before assaulting her.

``The accused tore her clothes in an attempt to assault her sexually. The distress call of the girl attracted passersby who rescued her.’’

Orji said the offences contravened Sections 261, 285 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded innocence of the offences, claiming that he was being framed.

He told the court that the complainant was his girlfriend and that the rendezvous where the alleged assault occured was based on mutual agreement.

The accused said that his arrest and arraignment was instigated by the father, who did not approve of his daughter’s relationship with him.

The father of the woman later sought the withdrawal of the case for out-of-court settlement.

However, the Magistrate, Mrs S.K. Matepo, said the father could not withdraw the matter in the absence of the complainant.

She said the facts should be established first to prove whether or not the accused was guilty.

Matepo granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate said the sureties must show evidence of gainful employment and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned to February 12 for mention.