CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 56-year-old man was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over allegations of sexual assault involving a 4-year old minor at Mile 12 area of Lagos.
According to court documents marked Charge No. 2026, the Commissioner of Police is prosecuting Samuel Bello. The alleged incident occurred in May 2026.
The charge sheet stated that the alleged offence took place at Black ‘A’ Shodipo Ajelogo Shopping Complex, Mile 12, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The defendant is alleged to have sexually assaulted a minor. The prosecution said the act is contrary to Section 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Section 263 of the Lagos State Criminal Law deals with sexual assault on children. The law prescribes strict penalties for such offences to protect minors.
Court records indicated that the matter was brought before the court by the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The IPO listed on the charge is CPL David Sunday.
The court did not take the plea of the defendant after the prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the court to refer the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, ordered his remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.
The matter was adjourned for mention to await the report of the DPP’s advice on jurisdiction.
Legal experts note that a charge sheet contains allegations only. Under Nigerian law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Lagos State Government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence, especially cases involving children. Authorities have urged the public to report such cases promptly to law enforcement.
Child protection advocates say cases like this highlight the need for increased vigilance in markets, schools, and public spaces where children interact with adults. Members of the public have also been advised to report any suspicious behavior to the police or to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
