20-year-old man arraigned for abduction and rape of a 16-year-old girl

A 20-year-old barber, David Udoala, was on Wednesday in Lagos charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court over alleged abduction and rape of a 16-year-old secondary school student.

Mr. Udoala, who resides at Flat 2, Block 110, Jakande Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of abduction and rape.

The prosecutor, Victor Eruada, alleged that the accused committed the offences on February13 at Lekki Beach Road, Jakande, Lekki, Lagos.

He said the accused abducted the student while on an errand for her aunt.

"Udoala allegedly took the victim to his house where he had unlawful carnage knowledge of her.

"The girl was freed by the accused from custody on Feb. 14 and she immediately reported the matter to her aunt," the prosecutor, a police sergeant, said.

The offences, the prosecutor noted, contravened Sections 258 and 267 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused may be sentenced to life imprisonment on conviction.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge of abduction, but denied the charge of rape.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Linda Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N400,000 with two sureties in like sum; and adjourned the case to March 3 for mention.